Here are the pictures selected by the Jury for the Collection-34.
This image of an elephant herd charging toward us was taken in Dudhwa National Park. We were completely unaware that the herd was concealed in the dense bushes around us. By the time we noticed them, they had already decided we were too close. Within seconds, part of the herd emerged onto the trail and charged in an attempt to drive us away. We were at a safe distance and moved away immediately, but amid the chaos, I managed to capture this frame. To me, this image is a reminder of how fiercely elephants protect their young. In that moment, the reaction of the herd felt deeply familiar, instinctive, protective, and emotional in a way that mirrors human behavior itself.
About Photographer
I’m a wildlife photographer based in Bangalore, India, with a deep focus on documenting Indian wildlife in its truest form. My interest lies not just in capturing striking visuals, but in telling honest stories—of the land, the light, the silence, and the lives that exist within it.
Over time, I’ve moved away from chasing clean, polished frames. I’m more drawn to the wild as it actually is—unpredictable, imperfect, and deeply real. I believe that every encounter, no matter how fleeting or chaotic, holds something worth paying attention to.
My approach is simple: observe more than I shoot, and stay honest in how I present what I see. It’s not about perfection—it’s about staying true to the moment, and letting the wild speak for itself.
Spotted this tigress with her cub at a waterhole in Tadoba. The cub stayed close, copying every move. It was a calm moment, but you could feel how alert they were. Watching them together, you realise how much the cub learns just by following the mother. Picture taken at Tadoba in August '23
About Photographer
A Homemaker by role and a passionate nature photographer. Exploring the wild through my lens brings me joy and peace. My work was published in the first edition of 'Quantraz' coffee table book.
In the heart of the grasslands, two male Blackbucks are locked in an intense battle, their magnificent spiral horns intertwined in a contest of strength and endurance. Such confrontations are a natural part of the breeding season, where dominant males compete for territory and the opportunity to mate. Every push and twist is a display of power, determination, and survival. Adding another layer to the story, a third male stands nearby, silently observing the duel. Whether waiting for an opportunity or simply witnessing the outcome, its presence enriches the narrative, reminding us that in the wild, every contest is watched and every victory comes at a price.
About Photographer
Coming from an orthodox Bengali family from Kolkata, India, I recognised my passion for photography much later after I hit my 30s. Prior to that I was only an IT employee working for various MNCs for more than 12 years. I discovered my fascination for photography, especially for bird shots when I visited a bird sanctuary with a photographer friend in 2018. I immediately decided that I would want to delve deeper into the world of birds and wildlife.
So I began working on my gear. Started from Canon Rebel-T5 with Tamron 150-600,
currently I possess Nikon Z6iii , Z5ii and 180-600 Nikon Lensfor my genre of photography.
With birding and wildlife comes a lot of traveling. So I started visiting remote Himalayan districts and forests in search of exotic birds and wild animals. Some days prove to be very fruitful and rewarding while some are not worth the time and energy invested. As it's the mantra of wildlife photography. No matter what, patience is the key till you find your lucky day.
Nature's Armor: An Asian elephant bathes itself in a shower of dust along a forest track in Jim Corbett National Park, India. More than a spectacular display, dusting is an essential survival behavior. The fine layer of earth acts as a natural sunscreen, deters biting insects, and helps protect sensitive skin from the harsh summer environment. Photographed at Jim Corbett National Park, April 2021.
About Photographer
Myself Swarnali Hazra a nature & wildlife photographer by passion. I am based in Kolkata, India. Working in my field for almost a decade. Started my journey when I visited Jim Corbett National Park, India in 2015. My work aims to tell the stories of nature’s most awe-inspiring creatures while advocating for wildlife conservation.
By profession I am a researcher scholar in computer science and engineering. Manage my time from my busy working schedule for my love on nature and wildlife. I use the medium of photography as a method to capture the beautiful and amazing creature of nature.
This is the picture of Young Tigeress cub of Mother Tigeress P141 of Panna National Park. She has her territory in Madla Plateau in the grassland of Pipartola. This was our morning safari and we have entered from Akola Gate which is in highest plateau and it take 1-2 hours to reach lowest plateau Madla by crossing middle plateau Hinouta. We havve checked both Akola and Hinouta nothing was happening. So, we decided to go down to Pipartola and we got to know that people have seen Tiger in morning and they told us that Tiger just went downwards to river. Then we went to explore other area and also it was time for breakfast too. Everyone was having breakfast at Pipartola Camp but we decided to go ahead to another camp. So, while going on the same track suddenly we saw Tiger appearing from bushes and we got happy and excited and we were so lucky that Tiger kept walking with us for 15 minutes alone. No other vehicle was there. It was a exclusive Tiger sighting for us that morning.
About Photographer
Naturalist Photographer & Wilderness Storyteller
Naturalist by profession and photographer by passion, I dedicate my time to documenting the wildlife I work alongside. My goal is to use photography as a tool for conservation—capturing the raw, unfiltered beauty of nature to remind us of what is at stake. By combining field expertise with a creative eye, I focus on telling the stories of the wild that often go unheard.
Title: United by Purpose Captured during the golden hour on a quiet evening in Kerala, I noticed a procession of weaver ants carrying a fragment many times their own size. Most people walked past them without a glance, but I was captivated by their coordination. Backlit by the warm evening sun, every tiny movement was illuminated, turning an everyday scene into something extraordinary. The challenge was not finding the ants, it was slowing down long enough to appreciate them. This image celebrates the quiet resilience and cooperation that often go unnoticed, reminding us that some of nature's most remarkable stories unfold beneath our feet.
Guardians of the Green: Deep within the emerald forests of Jim Corbett National Park, a herd of Asian elephants quietly crosses a woodland track, each step guided by instinct and generations of inherited memory. Towering sal trees form a natural cathedral above them, while curious calves remain safely nestled among the adults, a testament to the herd's remarkable family bonds. In this fleeting moment, the forest does not belong to the road—the road simply pauses to honour its rightful inhabitants, reminding us that these ancient landscapes are, and always have been, the elephants' home.
About Photographer
At the age of 50, I embarked on a new journey as an amateur photographer, driven by a lifelong love for nature. Each click of the camera became a testament to the beauty I had long admired. Beyond mere aesthetics, my photography became a call to action for environmental conservation. Through my lens, I sought to inspire others to cherish and protect our planet. In this newfound passion, I found solace and purpose, grateful for the opportunity to share nature's magnificence with the world.
It was such a joyful experience to spot and photograph this individual after searching for hours! Meet the Black & Orange Flycatcher, one of the endemic birds of the Nilgiris. This tiny bird is vibrant and very active. Often found foraging closer to the ground, this flycatcher species loves to feast on flies and they usually find a comfortable perch to settle down and scan for insects to pick on. The image was taken at Coonoor with natural setting using Canon R5, 200-800RF lens.
About Photographer
Working professional from Bangalore who is passionate about nature and wildlife. Throughout my childhood I was fascinated about nature documentaries and the art of photography. I love capturing animal habitat and animal behaviour.
