Bored Panda got in touch with Lokesh Tardalkar, who is a wildlife photographer and assistant professor at UPG College of Arts, Science & Commerce. He kindly agreed to offer some expert insights into capturing wildlife.
To begin with, Tardalkar delved into his journey, reflecting on what initially sparked his passion: “Early days of internet with WEB Portal called INW (India Nature Watch) literally pulled me towards pursuing wildlife photography. The portal used to have quality work curated by master photographers from the genre. Their body of work was art and inspiration for me since day one.”
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Photography in the wilderness poses a number of challenges, unlike the ease with which we can take selfies today. Shedding light on some common difficulties, Tardalkar mentioned, “Animals in the wild can be unpredictable, making it challenging to anticipate their movements and capture the perfect shot.”
Due to harsh conditions, photographers only have limited chances to get a successful shot. Imagine trying to capture a photo of an adorable cub during a sudden downpour. The rain blocks the photographer’s vision, making it challenging to see through the lens, and wind might knock over their equipment.
“Weather can be unpredictable and harsh, ranging from extreme heat to freezing cold, heavy rain, or strong winds. Photographers must be prepared to work in various weather conditions and protect their equipment accordingly. Many wildlife habitats are located in remote or inaccessible areas, requiring photographers to hike long distances, travel by boat, or even use helicopters to reach their subjects,” Tardalkar explained.
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Having the right gear is essential to capture the fast-moving animals effectively. “Wildlife photography often requires specialized equipment such as long telephoto lenses, fast cameras, and sturdy tripods. Carrying and operating this gear in the field can be physically demanding.”
Sometimes, to capture the perfect shot, photographers must hide for hours and blend seamlessly into the surroundings. He explained, “Getting close to wildlife without disturbing them often requires camouflage clothing, blinds, or other concealment techniques, which can be uncomfortable or impractical in certain environments.”
“Wildlife photographers must tread lightly to minimize their impact on fragile ecosystems and avoid disturbing or endangering the animals they seek to photograph.”
Speaking about how patience is the key to get a good shot, Tardalkar said, “Wildlife photography often requires long periods of waiting and observation for the perfect moment to capture a compelling image. Patience and persistence are essential traits for success in this field.”
However, despite these challenges, Tardalkar feels wildlife photography can be incredibly rewarding. “It offers unique opportunities to connect with nature and capture stunning images of elusive animals in their natural habitats.”
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Emphasizing the importance of safety and research, he added, “Prioritize research about the wildlife you intend to photograph. Understand their behavior, habitats, and any potential risks they pose. Keep a safe distance from animals to avoid disturbing them or provoking aggressive behavior. I use telephoto lenses to capture close-up shots without getting too close. (300 mm and above)”
Tardalkar strongly believes that one should practice ethical wildlife photography. “Avoid behaviors that could harm or stress animals, such as getting too close, making loud noises, or feeding them. Leave the environment as you found it by minimizing your impact and properly disposing of waste. Respect the natural ecosystem and avoid disrupting wildlife habitats.”
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Baby animals share a precious bond with their parents that helps them learn vital life skills and social behaviors, laying the foundation for their development in the natural world. He shared, “Once the mother and father of these baby animals are around, the baby animals are most active and notorious with their siblings. The comfort and safety they get in terms of both parents around is truly unmatched. It is fascinating to watch their behavior in the wild with free spirits and bonding with parents.”
