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Raptors: Hunters of the Sky

bySumit Kumar SumShoots across IndiaStarts from6,500 per framed printView full gallery

From the silent flight of owls to the sharp stare of falcons, witness the raw power and intensity of nature’s apex predators through my lens.

A Shikra with its kill, a garden lizard. This raptor is a common but fierce hunter, and this image captures the raw reality of the food chain with an intense, direct stare.

A closer look at the Shikra feeding. Documenting these behaviors provides valuable insight into the lives of these urban predators.

Patience is everything in birding. After a long wait, this Oriental Honey Buzzard finally landed on a beautiful perch, giving me a rewarding shot of its majestic profile.

An 'owlsome' Monday sighting. This Indian Eagle Owl, perched regally on the rocks of the Aravallis, watches over its territory with inquisitive, fiery eyes.

I had to get into an acrobatic position to frame this Spotted Owlet through the branches. The result is a unique perspective that makes the viewer feel like they are peeking into the owlet's world.

A full-body shot of the juvenile Black-winged Kite. Perched on a dead branch against a clean sky, its posture shows a mix of youthful curiosity and the confidence of a raptor.

Another angle of the young Black-winged Kite. Its sharp talons grip the perch, a reminder of the powerful tools it will use to hunt.

A dramatic close-up of a Black Kite's head, its sharp, hooked beak and intense red eye filling the frame. This perspective showcases the formidable features of this urban scavenger.

A Brahminy Kite soaring against a brilliant blue sky, its wings catching the sunlight. This shot highlights the beautiful contrast of its white head and chestnut body.

A Black-eared Kite in flight, carrying its prey. Capturing these moments requires tracking the bird's movement and anticipating its path.

About Raptors: Hunters of the Sky

Capturing these birds is rarely about speed; it is almost entirely about stillness. I use specialized super-telephoto lenses to document behaviors from a respectful distance, ensuring the raptor remains unaware of my presence. This approach is the only way to get those sharp, intimate details—like the exact moment a Shikra locks eyes with its prey or the ruffled texture of an owl’s plumage—without interfering with their natural hunting patterns.

Raptors are the most challenging subjects in wildlife photography, but they are also the most rewarding. My work in this collection spans from the common Black Kites seen circling over Delhi-NCR to the more elusive Indian Eagle Owls of the Aravallis.

My approach to field photography is rooted in patient documentation rather than rapid-fire shooting. Whether I am waiting for a Honey Buzzard to land on a specific branch or tracking a Black-winged Kite's flight path, the goal is always to tell a story of survival and behavior.

I offer three distinct ways for you to engage with this work:

  • On-Site Documentation: I conduct full-day shoots for organizations or researchers who need authentic, high-resolution behavioral footage for conservation projects or media.
  • Behavioral Short Films: Beyond static images, I produce short-form documentaries that break down complex behaviors—like courtship dances or hunting strategies—into simple, educational narratives.
  • Fine Art Prints: For home or office decor, I provide archival-grade Giclée prints of these raptors. Every print uses premium cotton rag or canvas to ensure the colors and details remain vibrant for decades.

If you are interested in a guided birding session or need professional wildlife imagery for a publication, please reach out to discuss the specifics of the species or habitat you are interested in.

Documenting raptors across Delhi-NCR and Himalayas.Approved by the tribe
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Sumit Kumar Sum

Shoots across IndiaStarts from 6,500 per framed print

I am Sumit, and when I am not crawling through the mud or hiding behind foliage to catch an owl's stare, I am likely planning my next field shoot. For me, photography is the patience to wait for a moment of magic, not just to press the shutter. I want to show you the wild, unfiltered life that thrives right here in our own backyard.

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