TITLE: Tired of Jungle Life

Our journey to Shompole Lodge, Kenya, promised an adventure in wildlife photography, with plans for hides during the twilight hours. However, nature had other ideas, surprising us with uncharacteristic rains—a testament to the ever-changing ecosystem. Swiftly adapting, we embraced Plan B: a thrilling night safari beneath the veil of darkness.

Amidst the inky blackness, we encountered a captivating duo of male lions—one vibrant with youthful energy, the other weathered by the passage of time. The symbiotic relationship between the two, with the younger tending to the elder, struck a chord of fascination and admiration. Spending hours with these magnificent creatures, we observed their every move, capturing moments that would forever be etched in memory.

As the older lion sought respite, his weary countenance spoke volumes, hinting at the challenges of survival in the wild. From a respectful distance, I watched, contemplating the intricacies of jungle life. When the lion finally reclined, a perfect tableau emerged—the regal beast framed by the swaying grass, a testament to the raw beauty of the natural world.

In that moment, amidst the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, I found myself transfixed by the scene unfolding before me. With a steady hand and a heart filled with reverence, I immortalized the majestic lion and the tranquil serenity of his surroundings—a poignant reminder of the delicate balance of life and the timeless allure of the wilderness.

AUTHOR: chandrasekaran N (India)

Ten years ago, I dipped my toes into the vast ocean of photography, driven by a passion for capturing the raw beauty of wildlife. It was a journey fueled by curiosity and a desire to freeze those fleeting moments in time. But as I delved deeper, I realized that understanding light was not just essential for wildlife photography but for every facet of this art form.

So, I expanded my horizons, embracing the challenge of landscapes and cityscapes. Each new subject brought with it a new set of intricacies to master, and with every click of the shutter, I found myself evolving as a photographer.

Now, a decade later, I find myself molded by these diverse experiences. I've become a traveler, not just in miles, but in moments captured through the lens of my camera. My Canon gear has been my faithful companion on this journey, faithfully translating my vision into pixels.

But amidst all the equipment and technicalities, I hold fast to one belief: that true success in photography lies not in the gear we wield, but in the creativity that fuels our vision. It's about seeing the world through a unique lens, about finding beauty in the mundane and capturing it in a frame.

So, as I continue to traverse the world in search of that perfect shot, I do so with the unwavering conviction that creativity is my greatest asset, my most potent tool. For in the end, it's not the camera that captures the moment, but the soul behind it.