Neeraj Chandra is a distinguished Indian wildlife photographer renowned for capturing the untamed beauty of nature through evocative, soul-stirring imagery. Merging artistic precision with a steadfast commitment to conservation, he brings India’s vibrant ecosystems to life, from the regal tigers of Ranthambore to the graceful birdlife thriving in its wetlands.
A self-taught artist, Neeraj anchors his craft in the “3 Ps” — Planning, Patience, and Perseverance — principles refined through years spent both in corporate boardrooms and deep in the wilderness. His profound connection with nature fuels a powerful visual storytelling style, where light, color, and emotion converge to inspire a deeper respect for the wild and a renewed call to protect it.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at the Global Wildlife Fair 2025, Neeraj Chandra delves into the essence of wildlife photography, explaining how it differs from other photographic genres, contrasting the unique character of Indian forests with those abroad, and outlining the vital safety measures every wildlife photographer must observe. He also shares his insights on the growing enthusiasm for wildlife photography across India and reflects on how modern technologies are transforming the art itself.
Here are the key takeaways from this illuminating exchange with one of India’s most passionate voices in wildlife photography.
Q: How is forest or wildlife photography different from other types of photography?
A: In wildlife photography, nothing is under your control. The animal’s movement, the light, the viewing angle, none of it bends to your will. You work with what nature offers in that fleeting moment.
The essence of this craft lies in passion and patience. It’s about waiting for the right instant, studying animal behaviour, and predicting what will happen next. When you spot a creature in one place, you must anticipate its next move: position yourself, compose the frame, and be ready. Everything unfolds in split seconds. You either capture the moment or you don’t.
That’s where the “3 Ps” — Planning, Patience, and Perseverance — come in. I borrowed them from my years in business, but they guide me just as much in the wild. With them, and a bit of grace from nature, I’ve been fortunate to capture some truly remarkable shots.
Q: How do you find Indian forests, and what differences do you notice between Indian forests and those abroad in terms of wildlife photography?
A: When you compare wildlife photography in India with Africa, the differences are striking. Birding, for instance, is fairly similar across regions like Colombia, Sri Lanka, or India, as birds mostly stay within forested areas. Africa, however, presents an entirely different landscape. There, open plains dominate; shrubs and dense grasslands are scarce, and visibility is almost always clear. Endless vistas allow you to spot wildlife from a distance, with forests and rocky areas scattered intermittently.
India, in contrast, offers no such luxury. A tiger could be just twenty feet away inside dense forest, yet remain completely hidden. You may not even sense its presence. Photographing wildlife here demands advanced tracking skills, patience, and a keen understanding of animal behaviour. In India, you need sharper photographic skills and greater vigilance to capture animals in their natural habitats compared to Africa.
Q: What safety measures and preparations should wildlife photographers take to ensure their personal security while working in forests or wild habitats?
A: First and foremost, you must respect the environment. Never bait animals. Respect them, understand their behaviour, and exercise patience. Stay inside your vehicle at all times. Even extending a hand outside is risky. Animals perceive the entire vehicle as a single entity during a safari. Stepping out is never safe. As long as you remain within the vehicle, you are protected. Always listen to your guide and driver. They know the terrain, the animals, and the signs of distress. Their experience is invaluable.
I’ll share one experience from Dudhwa. In the Sathiana range, people often claim you won’t see a tiger. Yet, within two minutes of entering, we encountered a tigress that had never been photographed before. She had distinct Trishul markings on her sides, and I realized I had captured her first-ever shot.
When we approached, she was only about thirty feet away. In an instant, I noticed signs of distress. She had never interacted with humans before. At that moment, I understood the importance of giving her space and time. Never underestimate their power. Always remain vigilant, observing every subtle signal the animal displays. Safety and patience are paramount.
Q: As a seasoned wildlife photographer, how do you view the growing interest and enthusiasm for wildlife photography across the country today?
A: Today, everyone considers themselves a photographer. That is the reality. But many don’t realize the enormous time, effort, and patience that go into capturing wildlife, often with top-quality equipment. Take, for example, my photograph of a rhino in Dudhwa. I waited nearly three hours for that single shot, under the scorching sun and temperatures reaching 47–48 degrees Celsius.
Patience is not optional in wildlife photography. Animals don’t simply appear on cue during a safari. Capturing them requires deep understanding, careful observation, and respect for their behaviour. Anyone can improve their photography if they cultivate patience and empathy for the animal.
I’m not saying people cannot take good photographs. Everyone can grow. What I emphasize is this: value your sightings and your experience of the jungle above the images themselves. The connection with the wild, the lessons it teaches, and the moments you witness are far more meaningful than any photograph.
Q: How are modern technologies shaping photography in today’s world?
A: Camera technology has advanced tremendously compared to the past. Today, I can capture still photographs at 120 frames per second, something that was unimaginable just a few years ago. This surpasses even standard HD video quality, yet in the precision of still images.
Autofocus and eye-tracking systems are now incredibly fast and responsive. Cameras react almost instantaneously, allowing photographers to capture fleeting moments with remarkable accuracy. In this sense, modern equipment fully supports our ability to take exceptional photographs and share the beauty of the wild with the world.
1 Comment
Thank you for covering this so thoroughly. It helped me a lot.
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