Behind the Lens: My Wildlife Journey
From renting my first Nikon lens to documenting India's threatened habitats, this is the story of the mud-crawling, sunrise-chasing reality behind my wildlife frames.
In this documentary excerpt, I talk about how I started with a rented lens. The moment I looked through the viewfinder, everything else faded away. Birding taught me patience and has become my ultimate stress buster.
They say to live a life you'll remember, and this is mine. This video is about the stories behind the photos: the struggle, the joy, and the pure privilege of being out there in the wild with a camera.
I work a regular job to pay the bills, but what truly fuels me is picking up my camera and stepping into the wild. This is what I do for happiness, because life is about feeling alive.
A look back at my year in the wild. 2024 was about sharing the raw, unfiltered side of this journey, from crawling through mud to chasing the golden light. Cheers to more adventures ahead.
A friend asked for a good therapist, and I suggested this: nature. For me, the wild is the best therapist, offering peace, inspiration, and a deep sense of connection.
What is "sukoon" or peace for you? For me, it's being out in the forest, camera in hand, waiting for nature to reveal its secrets.
Waking up where the wifi is weak but the connection is strong. There's nothing better than being lost in nature and found in serenity.
Exploring remote wilderness where the WiFi fades, but the spirit thrives. These are the moments I live for, embracing nature's wonders to the fullest.
Step into a world of pure imagination, where wildlife roams free and dreams take flight. This is a journey through the wonders of nature.
A visual summary of my work. Just you and the wild. No noise, no rush. This is the therapy I find behind the lens.
About Behind the Lens: My Journey
Every shot you see here has a backstory. It started with a rented Nikon 200-500 lens and a quiet realization that birding could be my ultimate stress buster. Most of these frames involved waking up at 4 AM, crawling through the wetlands of Navi Mumbai, and waiting for hours, often in silence. It is not about the expensive gear you hold, but the patience you cultivate. If you have ever wanted to capture wildlife, this is the reality of the field—it is dirty, unpredictable, and entirely worth it.
I was not always a photographer. I work a 9-to-5, and for the longest time, photography was just a weekend escape from the city. That changed when I rented my first telephoto lens. Looking through that viewfinder, the world silenced itself. No emails, no deadlines, just a kingfisher on a branch or a flamingo wading through the wetlands.
Why fieldcraft matters more than gear
People often ask about my camera settings, but the most important tool is fieldcraft. Learning how to move without startling your subject, understanding wind direction, and knowing the light is what changes a snapshot into a story.
My process
Whether I am in Gir tracking lions or documenting urban wildlife in the Airolife in the Airoli mangroves, my approach is consistent. I don't just shoot; I observe. We spend time understanding behavior, which is essential for ethical photography. You won't find me flushing birds or disturbing nests just to get a clean shot.
The 'Why' behind the frame
Conservation is not a buzzword for me. When I photograph flamingos in Navi Mumbai, I am documenting a threatened habitat. My goal is to make people fall in love with these spaces so they feel compelled to protect them. If you join one of my expeditions, expect to learn these techniques firsthand. It is not about getting the perfect silhouette; it is about understanding the life behind the lens.
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