[Anuroop Krishnan is a marketer by profession, who grew up in Bangalore and is currently based out of Gurgaon. He has traveled extensively across the country and has experienced wildlife through photography. He loves to document the not so well known forms of life, which exist in the same places as we do; or in the same places we travel to. He tries to depict subjects in their natural surroundings, in an endeavor to build the significance of habitats and their conservation among people who view his images.
Anuroop has been photographing wildlife for over eight years now. His photograph of the Chinkara (Indian Gazelle) was recently published on the cover of the Sanctuary Asia Cub magazine. An earlier image of a tigress was published on the back cover of the same magazine. He has also been featured in the Better Photography magazine’s expert panel, and has shared his views on wildlife photography.]
Imagine waking up to birds chirping, a stream gurgling and a thick cover of green enveloping you in its sweet embrace. If this scene intrigues you, then a wildlife reserve getaway is exactly what you need. While you're there, it is only natural that you want to capture this unending beauty on your camera lens, so that you can revisit this slice of heaven when city life wears you down the next time.
FMC is right here to help, read on as we chat with wildlife photographer Anuroop Krishnan as he shares insights into nature and photography. Appreciating natural history is the key to enjoying your visit to a wildlife reserve as well as capturing images to last a lifetime.
[FMC]: What are the national parks you have been to?
[Anuroop]: India wildlife reserves offers a wide range of experiences throughout the year. Winter is a great time for birds since it brings with it the large number of migratory visitors. The monsoons are a good time for amphibians and reptiles, and the summers are when you queue up to see the big cats. Some of the well-known parks in India which I love to visit are Corbett, Bharatpur, Tadoba, Gir, Rann of Kutch and Kabini. That apart, I love going to some of the place that aren’t very well known such as Tal Chapar in Rajasthan, Agumbe in Karnataka and Rollapadu in AP.
[FMC]: Can you provide a glimpse into what treasures await us at these parks?
[Anuroop]:
- While Corbett is well known for its tigers, it is also one of the best places in India to photograph elephants which congregate at the Dhikala grassland in summer.
- Bharatpur is well known for its birds.
- Tadoba is well known for its tigers.
- Gir is the only place in the world for the Asiatic lion.
- Rann of Kutch has a variety of desert life such as the foxes, cats, the Indian wild ass, hyenas and a large number of birds.
- Kabini is well known for its leopards, and a boat ride in summer is a must to see large elephant congregations, otters and birds.
[FMC]: To be responsible travelers, what dos and don'ts should we follow when we visit these parks?
[Anuroop]: Firstly we need to understand and respect the fact that nature operates at its own will and pace. The fact that we have taken time off to visit a nature reserve means nothing to a tiger or an elephant in the reserve. We need to understand that us going to a place does not assure us of a sighting of what we want to see. That being said, there is always something on offer - birds, butterflies, a large number of amphibians and reptiles. While we head to a park to see a tiger or a leopard, we must also appreciate everything else that is on offer.
Secondly, we need to behave in a way that does not startle or scare animals. While in the park we must not make noise. We must also not leave behind anything more than our footsteps. We must allow the animals the space they need to carry on with their lives, and be silent spectators.
[FMC]: To be responsible photographers, what dos and don'ts should we follow when we visit these reserves?
[Anuroop]: Lately, there seems to be a growing notion that photography in general is harmful to wildlife. The fact that a large number of photographers are worried about getting the shot alone, with a complete disregard for the animal they are shooting, has led to this belief. I think it is important to keep in mind that as photographers we are intruding into an animal's world, and therefore, we must give it the time and distance in needs to grow its tolerance towards us. A lot of times we try to go in too close too quickly, and end up stressing animals; which is why understanding all that you can about the animal you are shooting becomes important. Each species and every individual has its own level of tolerance towards people.
[FMC]: What’s next on your agenda? Why?
[Anuroop]: I am headed to Valparai, near Coimbatore in October hoping to see the Lion-tailed macaques. This highly endangered species is endemic to the Western Ghats, and Valparai is one of the places where they are seen often.
Anuroop's recent achievements:
● Photographer of the Year in the Macro category, (organized by the Better Photography Magazine) in 2012 for the Photographer of the Year title, travelled to Kenya for the final face-off round.
● Finishing in top 50 in the Pixel Perfect competition by Saevus in 2013
● Winner of Wildclicks in 2012, a live photography contest
Click HERE for Anuroop's website.
Follow Anuroop on Facebook HERE.
