Photographing wild animals in India is quite easier. And there are a lot of opportunities to photograph them.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I’m Srikanth Santhinathan. I work in an IT firm as a software developer on weekdays and on weekends I explore nature and pursue my passion for photography!
I have been in this field for almost 4 years now. I have visited many national parks in India and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. My works have been published by a few worldwide magazines like DailyMirror, Mirror online from the UK. I have been awarded as honourable mentions and special places in a few wildlife photography contests!
2. How and when did you realize your passion for photography?
It all started a few years back, I guess in 2016 when I joined one of my friends for a leisure trip to Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. I was spellbound by the experience, I had in the wild enjoying the safari drive, the lush green forests and its inhabitants.
And then a year later I started wildlife photography as I was drawn more towards the jungles of South India. The last three and a half years have been a great journey and I’m thoroughly enjoying this adventure.
3. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?
There are quite a few skills one should have to be a successful wildlife photographer. Those are
A. Have a profound interest in nature & animals.
B. Understanding the behaviour of the animals and respecting it by giving its space.
C. Composition of the scene witnessed in the wild is one of the key skill in photography. It gives the viewer of your image a sense of what is out there.
D. Understanding Light and using it to your advantage in the image making it an extraordinary one.
4. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?
Photographing wild animals in India is quite easier. And there are a lot of opportunities to photograph them. Most of the national parks in India are operating safari for wildlife tourists.
5.What kind of books do you prefer to read?
I’m not much of a reader. But when I do have some time, I like to read books on Fiction and philosophy!
6. What are some tips you would like to share with aspiring photographers?
A. Be you and don’t try to be someone else.
B. Observe the wildlife, understand its behaviour and then frame your images.
C. Do not fall victim to the social media craze and run behind the Likes & Comments of your photographs. You are the true fan for your work.
Get self-inspired and then inspire others with your photographs towards conservation of wildlife and saving them for our future generations.
A Photograph Clicked by Srikanth
Srikanth Santhinathan - Photographer
Interview by - Pallavi Surana
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