After my unforgettable experience in Panna, my passion for wildlife photography deepened. It was no longer just a hobby for me. I wanted to take my skills to the next level, and that meant improving my photography setup as well. In the world of wildlife photography, both the photographer’s eye and the right equipment are equally important.

During my trip to Panna, I noticed the advanced cameras and lenses that many of the other photographers were using. Before that, I used to believe that gadgets were not as important as the person behind the camera. I often heard people say, “It’s not the camera, it’s the photographer.” But what I learned from my experiences in the field was that having the right equipment can make a big difference, especially in challenging situations like low light or when you need to capture fast-moving subjects.

One of the things I felt I was missing was a second camera body, which would allow me to quickly switch between lenses without wasting time. I also needed a prime lens with a wider aperture. Such lenses are excellent for shooting in low-light conditions, and in wildlife photography, the lighting is often unpredictable. While I was able to capture some great shots, I knew that with better gear, I could do even more.

But upgrading my equipment wasn’t easy. High-quality gear is expensive, and finding second-hand gadgets or renting lenses in Lucknow was a real challenge. However, I was determined. Wildlife photography had become a passion that pushed me to invest more in myself and my craft. After some searching, I managed to get my hands on a few second-hand gadgets and rented a prime lens for my next trip.

This investment was not just about money—it was about my commitment to becoming a better photographer. With better equipment in hand, I knew I could push my creative boundaries and capture even more stunning images of wildlife. My journey as a wildlife photographer had truly begun, and I was ready to face the wild with newfound enthusiasm and better tools.

As I delved deeper into wildlife photography, I understood that it wasn't just about owning expensive gear; I also needed to master the craft. Learning techniques became crucial to improve my photos.

One of the first things I worked on was lighting. Good lighting can make or break a photograph. In wildlife photography, you often can’t control where the animals will be, so you have to work with the natural light available. I learned to shoot during the golden hours—early in the morning or late in the afternoon—when the sun casts a warm, soft light that creates beautiful effects in photos. Harsh midday sunlight often creates unwanted shadows and makes details difficult to capture, so I learned to avoid these times or adjust my settings accordingly.

Next came composition. This is about how elements in a photo are arranged. I learned about the "rule of thirds," which means dividing the frame into three sections and placing the subject at one of the intersection points. This simple trick helps create balance and makes the photo more engaging. I also tried to include natural elements like trees, rocks, or water bodies in the frame to add depth and context to the shot. Sometimes, just by changing the angle slightly or zooming in or out, I could transform an ordinary picture into something special.

Then, there’s the concept of timing. This is especially important in wildlife photography because animals won’t wait for you to click the shutter. I had to be patient and ready at all times. Many great shots happen in a fraction of a second—like a bird taking off, a tiger yawning, or cubs playing together. It’s all about anticipating the moment and being prepared to capture it.

Over time, I also learned the importance of background and focus. A messy background can distract from the main subject, so I started paying attention to what was behind the animals. By using a wider aperture, I could blur the background, making the subject stand out clearly. Similarly, getting the focus right was key, especially when shooting at long distances. If the focus is off, the whole image suffers.

As I practiced these techniques, I realized that each small improvement brought me closer to capturing the perfect shot. Every trip, every safari, and every failed attempt became a lesson in becoming a better photographer.

The Importance of Patience and Observation in Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography is not like regular photography where you can set up a shot or control the environment. Here, nature takes the lead, and as a photographer, you must follow. This is where patience and observation play a key role.

One of the first things I learned in wildlife photography is that patience is everything. It’s not uncommon to spend hours, or even entire days, waiting for an animal to show up. There have been safaris where I spent hours following pugmarks, only to return without seeing a tiger. Yet, every moment spent waiting wasn’t wasted—it was part of the process. Wildlife photographers often say, "The jungle reveals itself in its own time," and this couldn’t be more true.

For example, during one of my trips to Panna, we waited for hours near a water body, hoping to spot the cubs of P-151. It was easy to feel frustrated after such a long wait with no sighting. But patience paid off in the end when all four cubs emerged, playing and interacting with each other. It was a moment that made all the waiting worthwhile. Had I given up early or become restless, I would have missed one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

Similarly, observation is just as crucial. Wildlife photography isn’t just about pointing your camera and clicking when an animal appears; it's about reading the signs of nature and anticipating what might happen next. A broken twig, distant rustling leaves, a sudden movement of prey—all these subtle signs give clues to the presence of a predator. During safaris, my guide and I would often stop the vehicle and listen carefully to the forest’s sounds. The call of a langur or a sambar deer’s alarm can indicate the presence of a tiger. It’s moments like these that test your observation skills.

While waiting for the perfect shot, I also learned to observe not just the animals, but the entire environment—the way light filters through trees, how shadows move, and how animals behave in their natural habitat. These observations are what lead to capturing those rare, intimate moments—like a bird taking off at just the right moment or a cub trying to climb a tree.

Patience and observation together teach you the value of being present in the moment. You cannot rush wildlife photography. Often, you’re in a race against time and light, but at the same time, you must remain calm and allow nature to unfold at its own pace. Over time, I realized that some of the most rewarding shots come not when you're chasing the moment, but when you're quietly waiting for it.

In the end, wildlife photography is as much about patience as it is about skill. Each trip into the wild has its own rhythm, and sometimes the greatest rewards come when you least expect them. By learning to be patient and honing your ability to observe even the smallest details, you begin to connect more deeply with the natural world. And it is this connection that allows you to capture the beauty of wildlife in its purest form.

When I first started exploring wildlife photography, I primarily focused on large animals—tigers, elephants, and deer were what drew me to the jungle. However, as my journey progressed, I began to appreciate the smaller, often overlooked subjects of nature. Birds, landscapes, and the subtle beauty of the natural world opened a whole new dimension to my photography.

Birds became one of my favourite subjects, especially when I started practicing in Lucknow by the Gomti River. Bird photography requires a unique set of skills because birds are quick, unpredictable, and always on the move. Initially, I found it challenging to capture sharp images of birds in flight or even perched on a branch. But with time, I realized that patience and timing were key to capturing the perfect shot.

During my trip to Kaziranga in November 2023, I had the opportunity to photograph a wide variety of birds. From colourful kingfishers darting across the water to majestic raptors soaring in the sky, each bird presented its own challenge. I learned to anticipate their movements by observing their behaviour—when they were about to take off, dive for fish, or return to their nests. Bird photography taught me to be quick on the shutter while still maintaining a steady focus.

One memorable moment was during a boat ride on the Ken River in Panna. We spotted a pair of river terns gracefully skimming the surface for fish. I followed their movements carefully, my camera set to burst mode, and managed to capture a sequence of shots as they dipped into the water. The feeling of getting that perfect action shot—wings outstretched, water splashing—was incredibly satisfying.

While wildlife is often the main focus in jungle safaris, landscapes play an equally important role in storytelling. The environment around the animals, the backdrop of vast forests, rivers, or mountains, adds depth and emotion to the images. In wildlife photography, landscapes are more than just scenery—they help convey the mood and feel of the place.

My visit to Tadoba in April 2024 opened my eyes to the beauty of capturing landscapes in the early morning light. As the sun rose over the dense forest, the golden light filtered through the trees, casting long shadows on the misty ground. I remember sitting quietly in my gypsy, admiring the beauty of the scene before me. I set my camera to a wide-angle frame to capture the entire landscape—the towering sal trees, the dewdrops glistening on leaves, and the serene stillness of the forest before it fully woke up.

Another unforgettable landscape moment was in Ranthambore. The ruins of ancient forts and temples scattered throughout the park create a hauntingly beautiful setting. One evening, as the sun began to set, the sky turned fiery orange, and the silhouette of the Ranthambore Fort stood against the horizon. I quickly set up my camera on a tripod and adjusted my settings to capture the grandeur of the moment. The photograph remains one of my favourite landscape shots, as it not only portrays the beauty of the park but also its historical significance.

The Natural World: Details and Beauty in Every Corner

In wildlife photography, it’s easy to get lost in the pursuit of big subjects like tigers or elephants, but nature has so much more to offer if you pay attention to the smaller details. I started to appreciate the beauty in the smaller things—dewdrops on a spider web, the texture of tree bark, or the vibrant colours of flowers blooming in the forest.

During my explorations, I began experimenting with macro photography, focusing on close-up shots of insects, plants, and natural textures. This allowed me to capture the intricate details of nature that are often overlooked. I remember one instance in Corbett where I spent nearly an hour photographing a butterfly as it moved between flowers. Its delicate wings, covered in patterns of blue and black, made for a stunning subject. While waiting for a tiger to appear, moments like these helped me appreciate the simple beauty of the natural world.

In conclusion, my experiences with capturing birds, landscapes, and the natural world have enriched my journey as a photographer. Birds taught me to be quick and observant, landscapes helped me understand the importance of lighting and composition, and nature’s small details made me slow down and appreciate the world around me. These moments, while sometimes fleeting, are just as rewarding as capturing the perfect shot of a majestic tiger. Together, they complete the story of the wild and help me connect more deeply with the world I am documenting through my lens.

Brijesh Kumar Mishra

WildLife and Nature Photographer