Always Put Wildlife First and Love Them

I still remember right from the tender teenage I was always attracted to animals and birds. I grew up watching Discovery and National Geographic channels.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I'm Alvis Lazarus; I'm from a small village called Nazareth from India. I'm a Mechanical Engineer by Profession specialized in Supply Chain. Right from childhood, I'm passionate about wildlife, and also my first touch on Camera was exactly 2 decades before.

But only when I was in my early 30s, I was able to realize my dream of becoming a wildlife photographer. I started capturing all nature and wildlife but sooner I realized my inclination towards big cats. I specialize in Tiger Images and action moments.

Currently, I'm a professional photographer holding a global NPS membership with Nikon, Partner wildlife photographer for PantheraCat, and Brand Ambassador for PlanetTrotters. I contribute and work towards wildlife conservation.

2. How and when did you realize your passion for photography?

I still remember right from the tender teenage I was always attracted to animals and birds. I grew up watching Discovery and National Geographic channels. Being in a small village, I didn't even know there is a profession like wildlife photography and hence it took almost 2 decades before I realized my dream.

3. What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?

Always put Wildlife First and Love them; Automatically it will reflect on your images. It is like the difference between photographing your wife or girlfriend and photographing a random person.

In the latter scenario of capturing the random person, you will just click but in the former scenario of capturing your girl, you would take that special care since you love her so much. The same is the case with wildlife, unless you love wildlife, the images will be just normal.

No matter how famous you are! In the Jungle, Wildlife are the Celebrities! This is one of my famous quotes and the depth of meaning is huge. Stay humble in the Jungle and follow all the set protocols in the Jungle and nature would reward you well.

Travel a lot and spend more time in the Wild; Be Patient. Not just capturing a moment but the wait is also exciting, Experience it.

4. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?

Know your Camera Well, only then you can get the best out of it

Learn Wildlife and Behaviour, it is very important to get some nail-biting shots

Wildlife moments happen in split seconds and muscle memory is very important, work towards building it

5. What are the various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?

The people who say the wildlife profession is expensive. do it only as a hobby, it is difficult to earn in wildlife photography and so on... Please forgive them and do not give ears to these people. They are not actually knowing the reality.

There are so many opportunities available and roles closer to nature are the future. To name a few roles -

1. you can build your career by learning about wildlife

2. you can specialize in particular species

3. you can be on the creative side of wildlife production

4. you can be a writer/blogger / and travel editor

5. you can join wildlife conservation agencies on many roles

6. you can be an orator

7. you can be part of the forest department in multiple roles

8. you can be an editor

9. you can become a brand ambassador for multiple brands within wildlife and photography

10. you can be an entrepreneur on the above-said roles

Like this, I can share many such roles and options.

At each role, you can earn money and in many cases, your complete kit/travel is sponsored. But what you should not do is expect to start earning on day 1. It takes 4 years to become an engineer, more than 6 years to become a doctor.

Same as that, you can put effort for years before you actually start building your career in wildlife.

Instagram ID - @alvislazarusphotography