Aparupa Dey Interview
Q. How would you introduce yourself and your journey to our readers?
I’m Aparupa Dey, a wildlife and nature photographer driven by a deep curiosity for the natural world. My journey didn’t begin with a grand plan, it started with a quiet fascination for forests, animals, and the stories they hold.
Over time, that curiosity evolved into a pursuit of moments, emotions, and connections that often go unnoticed. Today, my work extends beyond documentation; it’s about building a bridge between people and the wild spaces we are steadily losing.
Q. What first pulled you towards wildlife instead of other photography genres?
Growing up in rural West Bengal, I was constantly surrounded by nature and its many inhabitants. I spent hours observing their behavior, routines, and quiet interactions, it came naturally to me.
What began as capturing moments for joy gradually became more intentional. I didn’t just want to witness these moments—I wanted to preserve, understand, and share them. That’s when it evolved into a deeper commitment to wildlife photography.
Q. What’s one moment in the wild that has stayed with you?
Witnessing my first tiger in the wild at Kaziranga National Park.
The tiger walked directly towards our vehicle and stayed for a few minutes, with no other vehicles around. The moment felt pristine, almost unreal. I remember going completely still; I could hear my own heartbeat.
For those few seconds, I was torn between reaching for my camera and simply absorbing the experience. It wasn’t just an encounter, it was a feeling I don’t think I’ll ever replicate.
Q. What does a “good day” in the field look like for you?
A good day isn’t defined by the “perfect shot.” It’s about feeling connected to the environment, spending hours observing, understanding behavior, and being fully present.
Sometimes, it means returning without photographs but with a deeper understanding. Other times, it’s capturing a fleeting moment that tells a story. Both are equally rewarding.
Q. How do you deal with unpredictability while shooting in nature?
Unpredictability is the essence of wildlife photography—you don’t manage it, you embrace it. It teaches patience, adaptability, and respect.
You learn to release expectations and remain open to whatever unfolds. In many ways, unpredictability is what gives each moment its value.
Q. Beyond photos, what story do you aim to tell through your work?
I’m drawn not just to dramatic moments, but to the quieter, more intimate ones—the subtle interactions and in-between frames that often go unnoticed.
These moments feel deeply relatable. I want viewers to pause and feel something—calm, curiosity, empathy, or connection. Because once people feel connected, they are far more likely to care, and to protect.
Q. What’s something about this profession people often misunderstand?
There’s a perception that it’s all adventure and beautiful sightings, but the reality is far more demanding. It requires patience, planning, and long hours of waiting. It tests you physically and mentally. You learn to stay alert, accept uncertainty, and understand that even your best efforts don’t always guarantee results.
Q. If animals could talk, which one do you think would be the most interesting to interview?
An elephant, without a doubt. They carry memory, emotion, and wisdom in a way that feels profoundly human. I’d be curious to hear their perspective on how the world has changed, and how they’ve adapted to it.
Bio:
Aparupa Dey is a wildlife and nature photographer known for capturing intimate, emotionally resonant moments from the natural world. With a background rooted in rural West Bengal, her early connection with nature shaped her perspective and approach to storytelling.
Her work goes beyond documentation it reflects a deeper intention to build empathy between people and wildlife. Through her lens, she highlights not just the grandeur of the wild, but also its quiet, often overlooked moments.
Collaborating with leading brands and platforms, she continues to use visual storytelling as a means to inspire awareness, connection, and conservation.
Interviewed by – Niyati Gupta
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