Photography with Purpose: Ethical Nature & Pet Portraits
My lens captures more than just animals. I document the lives of street rescues and wild inhabitants, aiming to spark change and create real connections through my work.
An update on my fight to save the Juhu Lake. This video is a plea for help to clean up this vital urban wetland, which is home to over 134 species of birds but is being choked by water hyacinth.
My feature in Mid-Day India, bringing attention to the "killer carpet of green" suffocating the Juhu lake. Media coverage is crucial for raising public awareness and pressuring authorities to act.
I don't usually post videos of myself, but this is an urgent call to action. I explain the devastating impact of water hyacinth on the Juhu lake's ecosystem and the birds and fish that depend on it.
A before-and-after look at the Juhu lake, using satellite imagery to show the shocking spread of water hyacinth. Visual evidence like this is powerful in conservation campaigns.
A dog at the Probably Paradise shelter finding a creative way to cool off in the Mumbai heat. My photos for shelters aim to show the personality and resilience of these animals, helping them find forever homes.
A peaceful moment for a stray dog at the shelter. Even in difficult circumstances, they find moments of peace. This is why I advocate for adoption and supporting local NGOs.
Another resident of the animal shelter, finding comfort in a simple plastic tub. These images are part of my work for World Stray Animals Day, promoting kindness and care for street animals.
A Halari Donkey at the Probably Paradise shelter. I volunteer my photography skills to help organizations like World For All showcase the beautiful animals in their care, like this gentle soul.
This is me in 2009, rescuing a stranded Olive Ridley hatchling and guiding it towards the sea. This early experience solidified my commitment to hands-on conservation and ethical wildlife interaction.
A touching moment between two Orangutans and a visitor at the Melbourne Zoo. While I no longer support zoos, this photo from my past captures the deep emotional capacity of these intelligent primates.
About Photography with Purpose
People often ask how I get those calm, emotive portraits of shelter animals. The secret is simple: I do not rush. Whether I am at a Mumbai shelter or on a field survey, I spend hours waiting for the animal to feel safe enough to just be themselves. There are no flashing lights or loud commands, just patience and a quiet, respectful presence.
Conservation photography requires a shift in mindset. It is not about the perfect trophy shot; it is about telling the story of an animal or a habitat under threat. My work at locations like Juhu Lake, documenting the invasive water hyacinth, is proof that a camera can be a powerful advocacy tool for local biodiversity.
I bring that same ethical rigor to my professional pet photography in Mumbai. I use natural light and professional telephoto lenses to capture genuine personality, avoiding intrusive studio setups that stress out pets. My sessions prioritize the animal's comfort, whether in a home garden or a quiet park, ensuring we capture them at their most relaxed.
Beyond portraits, I conduct biodiversity surveys that include identification reports with IUCN status, bridging scientific research with visual storytelling. Whether I am documenting urban birds or capturing the resilience of stray dogs at shelters like Probably Paradise, my goal is consistent. I work to shift perspectives, turning apathy into empathy through visuals that show these animals as the sentient beings they are.
Saloni Tirodkar
I am Saloni, and I believe every animal has a story waiting to be told. My photography is my way of giving a voice to the voiceless, whether it is a stray finding comfort in a shelter or a species struggling for survival in the wild.
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