On the occasion of the World Photography Day, Covai Post talks to Mr. CR Jayaprakash, Assistant Professor of Photography, PSG College of Arts and Science, who also is a conservationist and a wildlife photographer.

Wildlife photography, a challenging but enthralling field of photography, captures the beauty of the jungle, with its inhabitants. Though a lot of risk is involved, there is an element of glamour associated with it. Conservative photography, on the other hand, reveals the richness in biodiversity. Both are creatively rewarding, says the professor.

Jayaprakash remembers the days when wildlife photography was all about patience and perseverance. One had to sometimes go on a hundred treks to get a glimpse of the tiger in the wild, he points out. He admits that things have changed a lot now.

So, what does it require to be a wildlife photographer?

“One needs to explore a lot and try to understand the environment. Before taking a random picture of an elephant, a keen photographer first understands how the herd behaves. Only someone who truly admires nature can explore such things,” he explains. Technical expertise, according to him, comes only later.

“A really passionate photographer will work harder to get the perfect picture. For this, he has to understand his subject of photography well. Budding photographers should try to protect Nature, the cradle of life,” advises Jayaprakash.