Pictures of nature go beyond visuals and are testimonies of silence, beauty and need to protect, says ABHI SINGHAL
Nature photography connects us with the planet’s beauty and more importantly its vulnerability. Nature photography is an essential bridge between humanity and the
natural world. It allows us to witness what many may never directly see. It may be a tiger’s stare in the wild, a misty forest or a flower untouched by pollution.
At its heart, nature photography is a visual celebration of our environment. It is all the landscapes, flora and fauna, and within it lies the powerful niche of wildlife photography. Wildlife photography brings raw moments of animal life to the forefront, raising awareness and often stirring much-needed conversations about conservation and coexistence. “Photographing wildlife is my way of making people aware of the wonders of our natural world,” says Joydeep Mondal, a nature and wildlife photographer from the past 12 years. “Many animals are misunderstood and hence not cared for. Through my documentation, I hope to bring out these aspects to the rest of the world.”
Challenges Behind the Perfect Shot
This work comes with its own set of challenges that are physical, technical and emotional. “Photographing nature and wildlife is always at the vagaries of the elements,” says Joydeep. The weather and lighting conditions are unpredictable, and you have to be quick and proficient with your gear.
Patience and Technical Acumen
Nature photography also demands immense patience. “Waiting patiently for an animal or the perfect shot gives me the time to soak in the environment,” he explains. But patience isn’t the only requirement. Also needed along is resilience and presence of mind, especially when danger strikes.
As they say that there are technical hurdles also. In the wild and nature, you get no re-takes. The correct lens, fully charged batteries, sufficient memory, and accurate settings for varying light conditions must all come together for that one decisive shot.