Welcome to Rathika Ramasamy Photography blog
Corbett National Park -Grassland
Corbett National Park -Grassland
In Corbett National Park, the grasslands are the first and last places we check. In the morning, we search for Tigers and in the evening, we look for Elephants and enjoy the sunsets. Corbett boasts one of the largest grasslands in India, where you can see Tigers crouching, stalking their prey, and Elephants grazing with their calves.
The above Tiger image captures a crossroads in the grassland where four roads converge. We often wait here, listening for alarm calls and observing any activity. It's a special spot, and getting the right point of view can be challenging, especially with 4 or 5 vehicles lined up behind you, all eager to capture the perfect shot.
Spotted deer often laze around in groups, resting peacefully.
The Ramganga reservoir, rich in fish, attracts Palash eagles, Lessor Fish eagles, Ospreys , and River terns, all fishing in the area.Early mornings are filled with the calls of Black francolins, and sightings of Indian rollers are common.
In India, we have Asiatic elephants that inhabit grasslands, tropical evergreen forests, and semi-evergreen forests. Jim Corbett National Park, Kabini, and Kaziranga are famous for elephants, where you can easily see and photograph them. Next to birds, elephants are my favorite animals to watch and photograph.
This is my favorite photograph of an elephant and its baby, taken while I was crossing the grasslands of Dhikala in Corbett National Park. Elephants rely heavily on touch to communicate, especially with their calves, whom they often push gently, nuzzle, and maintain constant contact with. The mother in this photo was very protective, keeping her small calf close by at all times. It was heartwarming to watch the baby elephants play as they followed their mothers. The way the family protected one another reminded me so much of human beings. It’s truly a treat to watch them play, fight, and bathe together.
We often invoke Lord Ganesha during auspicious occasions, and fittingly, the Elephant is a keystone species in the forest. As ordinary citizens, we can take on the responsibility of being guardians of Elephants . The main threat to Elephant is poaching for their body parts, so we should avoid and discourage the use of products made from elephants. Although Elephants in circuses are now banned, it's important to ensure that no one promotes or conducts shows involving these animals.
Human-animal conflict is another significant threat, particularly for banana plantation and farm owners living near forest boundaries. Instead of using electric fences, they could install solar-powered fencing to protect their crops. If an elephant enters a human habitat, it’s crucial to notify forest officials immediately so they can safely guide the animal back to its natural environment.
When traveling through forest reserves or nearby roads, it’s important to follow speed limits—whether it's 40 km/h or 20 km/h—as posted. If Elephants are crossing the road, patiently wait for them to pass without honking or causing a disturbance. Above all, treat these magnificent creatures with empathy and respect.
Photo credit : Rathika Ramasamy
Thank you for stopping by.
Rathika Ramasamy
Introduction to Bird Wildlife Photography: How to Start in 2024
Introduction to Bird Wildlife Photography: How to start in 2024
Diving into the world of wildlife photography can be as thrilling as rewarding, offering a unique blend of adventure, artistry, and connection to the natural world. Among the many paths you can take on this journey, bird photography stands out as an accessible and immensely satisfying starting point. With just a camera in hand and a keen eye for the fluttering beauty around us, anyone can begin capturing the vivid stories of our feathered friends. In this guide, we'll navigate the essentials of starting your wildlife photography adventure, focusing on birds as your first subjects.
Whether you're in the heart of a bustling city or the tranquility of the countryside, the sky is brimming with opportunities. Let's embark on this journey together, turning fleeting moments into lasting memories, one click at a time.
Why start with Bird Photography?
Bird photography is the perfect gateway into the broader world of wildlife photography for several compelling reasons. Firstly, birds are everywhere - from the urban balconies where pigeons perch to the remote wetlands inhabited by exotic species. This ubiquity means you don't have to travel far to find your subjects.
Secondly, bird photography teaches you the fundamentals of wildlife photography, such as patience, focus, and the ability to adapt to your subject's movements quickly. These skills are crucial as you progress to photographing more elusive or more enormous wildlife.
Moreover, birds offer a colorful palette of subjects throughout the year, including migratory seasons introducing new species into your local area. This diversity not only keeps the hobby fresh but also challenges you to continually improve your technique to capture a variety of species in different environments.
In essence, starting with bird photography is practical. It allows you to practice and perfect your craft anytime, anywhere, with subjects as challenging as they are charming.
Essential gear for beginner Bird Photographers:
When venturing into bird photography, having the right gear can make a significant difference in the quality of your photos. However, you can still use the most expensive equipment. Here's a practical approach to selecting your gear:
Camera: A mid-range DSLR or mirrorless camera with a minimum of 5 frames per second is ideal for capturing birds in motion. Look for models with good autofocus performance and high ISO capabilities to handle different lighting conditions.
Lenses: A minimum 400mm lens is recommended for bird photography to allow you to keep a distance without disturbing your subjects. For beginners, consider renting lenses before purchasing to find what suits your style and needs best.
Tripod: A sturdy monopod can help stabilize your shots, especially with longer lenses that are heavier and more prone to camera shake.
Binoculars: These are not directly related to photography but are essential for spotting birds and observing their behaviour before taking the shot.
Remember, the emphasis is on starting with what you can afford or access. Rentals are a fantastic way to use high-quality gear without the initial investment. Additionally, practicing with what you have, even a kit lens, is better than waiting until you can afford the perfect setup. You can photograph larger wildlife with less zoom, for example, using a kit lens effectively in the right situations.
Finding your subjects, Where and when to Look:
Discovering where and when to find your feathered subjects is pivotal in bird photography. Here's how to maximize your chances of capturing those awe-inspiring shots:
Local Hotspots: Start with local parks, gardens, and water bodies like lakes and wetlands. These areas often attract a variety of birds and are excellent for practice. Online birding forums and apps can help you identify hotspots in your area.
Backyard Birding: Pay attention to the potential of your backyard or balcony. Setting up bird feeders can attract various species right to your door, offering a convenient practice ground.
Timing is Key: Birds are most active during the early morning or late afternoon, known as the "golden hours" for bird activity and photography light. Migratory seasons in spring and autumn can also provide unique opportunities to capture visiting species.
Bird Behavior: Understanding basic bird behaviors can help you anticipate their next move, making it easier to capture them in action. For example, knowing that kingfishers dive into water for fish can prepare you to capture that split-second action.
Patience Pays Off: The best approach is often to find a promising spot and wait. Birds are habitual creatures, and by observing quietly, you'll learn their patterns and find the perfect moment to shoot.
By researching and spending time in nature, you'll find great subjects and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Each outing can teach you something new about where and when to find the most photographically rewarding bird encounters.
The art of approach and observation:
Mastering getting close to birds without startling them is crucial for capturing stunning photographs. Here's how to refine your approach and observation skills:
Blend In: Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend into your surroundings. Move slowly and quietly to avoid drawing attention to yourself. Quick movements or loud noises can easily spook birds.
First image principle: Upon spotting a bird, take your first shot from a distance. This ensures you have a capture even if the bird flies away. Then, slowly and cautiously, move closer to improve your shot, if possible.
Understanding bird behavior is as important as not startling them. Spend time observing their habits. Birds returning to the same perch or following a specific pattern while searching for food can provide predictable moments for photography.
Patience is your greatest ally. Sometimes, it's more effective to choose a promising location and wait for the birds to come into the frame rather than chasing them. This method yields better photographs and minimizes stress on the birds, ensuring ethical photography practices.
Remember, the well-being of your subject always comes first. Maintain a respectful distance, and use your zoom lens to close the gap. If a bird shows signs of distress or disturbance, it's time to back off. This respectful approach ensures that you preserve the natural behavior of the birds, resulting in more authentic and captivating images.
Bird Photography shooting tips:
Capturing the essence of bird life through your lens requires more than just the right equipment and location. Here are some practical shooting tips to help you bring home those stunning bird photographs:
Focus on the eyes: Ensuring the bird's eyes are in sharp focus is crucial. A well-focused eye brings life and emotion to your photograph, connecting the subject and the viewer.
Experiment with composition: While the rule of thirds is a good starting point, feel free to experiment with different compositions. Sometimes, placing the bird off-center or capturing it within its environment can tell a more compelling story.
Understand Light: Early morning or late afternoon light is softer and warmer, offering beautiful lighting for your photographs. Position yourself so the light falls onto the bird, illuminating its features and colors.
Capture behavior: Images of birds doing something interesting—feeding, flying, or interacting with each other—add dynamism to your photos. Watch through the viewfinder, anticipate these moments and be ready to capture them.
Use Continuous Shooting Mode: Birds move unpredictably. Using your camera's continuous shooting (burst) mode increases your chances of capturing that perfect moment.
Background matters: A cluttered background can distract from your subject. Aim for simple backgrounds that complement the bird, enhancing the overall impact of your shot. You can always break the rule, keep out of focus foreground too works some time.
Above all, practice regularly. Spend more time watching your subjects .The more you shoot, the better you'll anticipate bird behavior and master your camera settings for various conditions. Bird photography, like any art form, is a journey of continuous learning and passion.
Ethics of wildlife photography and respect for nature:
As bird photographers, we are responsible for prioritizing the well-being of our subjects and their habitats over capturing the perfect shot. Ethical photography ensures we minimize our impact on wildlife and contribute positively to conservation efforts.
Approaching wildlife photography with respect means maintaining a safe distance to avoid causing stress or altering the natural behavior of birds. It's crucial to recognize signs of distress in your subjects and retreat if necessary. Playback calls to attract birds, for instance, should be avoided as it can disrupt their natural activities and cause unnecessary stress.
Preserving the integrity of their habitats is also paramount. Stick to established paths and viewpoints to reduce disturbance and protect sensitive ecosystems. Remember, our presence in nature should be as unobtrusive as possible, leaving no trace behind.
Sharing your photographs can play a vital role in promoting conservation awareness. However, be mindful of the messages your images convey. Highlighting the beauty and importance of birds and their environments can inspire others to appreciate and protect our natural world.
Ethical bird photography is about striking a balance between our passion for capturing the beauty of birds and our duty to protect them. By adopting these respectful practices, we contribute to preserving wildlife for future generations to enjoy and photograph.
Building sour Skills and community engagement:
Improving your wildlife photography skills is a journey that thrives on continuous learning and community engagement. Here are some straightforward strategies to enhance your abilities and connect with like-minded enthusiasts:
Participate in Workshops and Courses: Attending workshops and photography courses, especially those focused on wildlife or bird photography, is invaluable. These settings offer direct learning from experienced photographers, providing insights into techniques and equipment that might take years to discover on your own.
Join Photography Clubs: Local photography clubs are a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. They provide a platform for sharing experiences, participating in photo walks, and receiving constructive feedback on your work.
Engage Online: The digital era offers endless opportunities for learning and interaction. Join online photography forums, social media groups, or platforms dedicated to wildlife photography. These communities are great for advice, inspiration, and constructive critique.
Practice Regularly: The essence of photography lies in practice. Spend time in nature, experiment with different settings, and challenge yourself with new subjects and lighting conditions. Regular practice sharpens your skills and deepens your understanding of the wildlife you photograph.
Share Your Work and Stories: Sharing your photographs and the stories behind them can not only inspire others but also open doors to feedback that can help you grow. Platforms like Instagram, photography blogs, or local exhibitions allow you to showcase your work and engage with a broader audience.
Volunteer for Conservation Projects: Engaging in bird conservation projects or volunteering for wildlife sanctuaries not only contributes positively to the environment but also provides unique opportunities to photograph wildlife in different contexts, enhancing your portfolio and understanding of the natural world.
By actively seeking opportunities to learn, share, and engage, you not only refine your photography skills but also contribute to a vibrant community of wildlife photography enthusiasts. This communal journey enriches your experience, broadens your network, and ultimately elevates your craft in wildlife photography.
Conclusion:
Embarking on the journey of wildlife photography, mainly through the captivating realm of bird photography, is an enriching experience that blends art, nature, and conservation. Equipped with the right gear, knowledge of where and when to find your subjects and a respectful approach to wildlife, you're set to capture the beauty and essence of the natural world.
Remember, the path to becoming a skilled wildlife photographer is paved with patience, practice, and continuous learning. Engaging with the photography community and participating in conservation efforts hones your skills and contributes to protecting our planet's incredible biodiversity.
As you venture out with your camera, let your passion for photography and respect for nature guide you. Each photograph you take is a testament to the beauty of wildlife and an opportunity to inspire others to appreciate and protect it.
Happy shooting!
Stacy Witten
GUEST AUTHOR : Stacy Witten is a photographer and the author of the Lensespro blog. She has been a professional photographer for seven years and possesses excellent knowledge and passion for photography.
Images copyrighted ©Rathika Ramasamy
Subjects/courses to study for Wildlife/Nature Photography
Hi
Common regular question I was asked, what subjects/courses to study for wildlife photography /wildlife management.
For wildlife photography 70 % subject knowledge and 30 % Technical knowledge.
One can gain technical knowledge doing photography course,any short time course or photography workshop .
Sharing information from , Hindu Tamil direction in yearbook 2019 F. What to study as IFS, State Forest Officer? The full version of article published on the topic of natural security based courses " (page 287-297).
Natural Safety based courses can be divided into four categories.
Wildlife Science , Environmental Science, Forest (Forestry), Marine Biology
Natural Protection Biology is a department introduced in India at the end of the 80 s. This Department cannot be easily define. This includes more than one fields of natural science, social science and natural resources management. Courses about this can be classified as wildlife sciences. You can learn how to know the connection between environment and the living beings living in it, and how to protect them.
Although the department of environmental science (Environmental Science) has also included in an introducing the debut it is about how to prevent air, water, water, land pollution, how to evaluate and handle them.
How to manage forestry or forestry (Forestry) Department of forest based resources, protecting forest resources that are used for human beings, the fire, disease (for trees and forests) etc. It will be trained in this field like protecting them, if it comes, protecting resources, protecting resources, human-Wildlife Management, chilling natural areas etc.
Marine Biology ,It is the marine biology to know about the creatures that live in the sea, and the connection between them and the sea, the biology of the sea, and the weather. This is a brief explanation. There are many more interiors in marine biology. For example, shrimp breeding, Marine living creatures are abundants for human food.
Apart from this, many more departments can be considered as natural protection. Most of these natural protection may be straight or small. We can see some of them.
Degree courses on environmental, Dental Protection Act (environmental law)
Ecological, Biology (ecological and bio information)
Natural, Environmental Education (Nature, environmental education)
Courses for nature, environmental protection policies (policy)
Wildlife Medicine (Wildlife Veterinary). This Department is still very backward in India. Only one college in India, it is given post graduate degree in this field.
Those who engage in the field of psychological department, especially non-human primates (Non-human primates) will help those who engage in the field (animal behavior). I have listed all types of courses collected in Google Sheet. If you knew any details not on this list, please comment here in comments.
Please click here to see the goolge spreadsheet
All the information provided in this information is received from the official websites of those colleges, universities, educational institutions. Until this article was completed (3rd November 2018) the lists of these websites were functioning properly. I am not responsible if these don't work in the future. Just like that, they did not list the details about the credibility and reputation of colleges, universities and educational institutions which provide here. After knowing the courses given here through this article, readers are asked to review the above details and then asked to decide later.
Original Source : இந்து தமிழ் திசை இயர்புக் 2௦19 ல் “ஐ.எஃப். எஸ்., மாநில வனப் பணி அதிகாரியாக என்ன படிக்க வேண்டும்? – இயற்கைப் பாதுகாப்பு சார்ந்த படிப்புகள்” (பக்கம் 287-297) எனும் தலைப்பில் வெளி வந்த கட்டுரையின் முழு பதிப்பு. நன்றி: உயிரி .Thanks to கானகக் கல்வி,Dr.Mr.Praveen Kumar for the compilation of the information.
Best Wishes
Rathika Ramasamy
Rathika Ramasamy Masterclass experience by Mr.Ananthakrishnan Srinivasan
Rathika Ramasamy Masterclass experience by Mr.Ananthakrishnan Srinivasan
FROM HAVING DREAM GEAR TO TAKING GOOD PHOTOS
Forewarning : This is not meant to be a blog on Rathika Ramasamy’s workshops but about my journey. However the impact of her teachings is such that it is very tough to not mention either my Guru’s name or her ways of teaching in every paragraph. Please bear with me for this.
It all started sometime in July / August 2016 when I was gripped with the urge to buy a “good lens” and a full frame camera. Mind you I had no inkling what I will shoot but I was certain that getting better equipment ( I had D90 and kit lens and was shooting on auto)will make me take the perfect picture that will catapult me into a famous photographer. So I got this Nikon D750 and Sigma 150-600 c lens after lot of YouTube watching only to leave them in the cupboard for few weeks!
One day I decided I needed to start wildlife photography and was browsing for workshops on wildlife photography as I already knew that I had good equipment and I was ready to produce award winning photographs but only needed to know where to start.
I turned to the trusted “Google Chacha”. I was presented with exotic and expensive tours and workshops mainly Masai Mara and couple of India destinations. This is when I stumbled upon Rathika’s workshop announcement in Bharatpur in November 2016. I knew about Rathika Ramasamy’s work and class and needless to say I was really surprised that the cost was very affordable (especially compared to the ones I looked at earlier). I got myself registered and got included in an exclusive whatsapp group of participants. This is when reality stuck me that I am going to bring into the workshop my total lack of knowledge of photography and birds. Those were the days when my bird species list started with crow and ended at Dove. Any small bird was a sparrow and scaly breasted munia was a very rare bird!
I took the courage after few weeks and revealed to my Guru that I know nothing of photography expecting that I will get a cold mail rejecting my participation and that would be the end of my producing those BBC-worthy photos. To my surprise I got a call from Rathika telling me that she will run an exclusive session on skype to bring me upto the mark before the workshop!! That one hour session ensured that I did not make a complete fool of myself at the workshop.
Cut to Bharatpur – My individual education session complete and here I go into the Keoladeo Ghana National Park Bharatpur on a cold misty morning. Rest is full of memories and photos.From the workshop I remember Rathika madam somehow managed to spend quality time with each of the participants during every session sharing invaluable insights about the nitty-gritties of photography. I must say I was pleasantly surprised that a top photographer was willing to share her experience without any inhibition with everybody equally.
I still remember (if you have been to Bharatpur you will know this and I am sure this is a familiar scene there) the first sighting was a group of Red Crested Pochards (female) swimming and I was capturing it (as you guessed right) sitting on the rickshaw. Suddenly comes this voice from behind “ Anantha get down and lie down on the bank! Get to level” ; a tip which I haven’t forgotten till date.
I know at that time I was beginner enough to miss the reflection fully. But then imagine this photo taken from a Rickshaw seat level!As a beginner you tend to click everything and think you have done extremely well if you happen to get the subject in focus. You end up with several hundred may be more than thousand shots in a day and you do not want to delete any hoping that somehow over time the out of focus shots will manifest into very sharp images. But then Rathika Madam ensured that you get into the discipline of reviewing your images the same day and delete mercilessly. I must say I still ended up bringing home 3000 odd pictures from 4 days of workshop and after 2 years I still have 200 odd left though I know there is probably 2 pictures that are worth showcasing in the context that it was my first outing of wildlife photography.
The daily evening review sessions for all participants with Rathika Madam is something any beginner will look forward to I am sure for the richness of learning this provides. She provides frank feedback and gives you useful tips to correct the shortcomings. The best part is you get opportunity next day to practise your learning and an immediate feedback on site since the mentor is always available on field to clear your doubts. Focus always used to be on Composition. Our Guru insisted on Original Composition and not rely on cropping and post processing. Several times getting original composition means extremely quick thinking. This comes with focus (pun intended) and practice.
As a beginner you tend to click everything and think you have done extremely well if you happen to get the subject in focus. You end up with several hundred may be more than thousand shots in a day and you do not want to delete any hoping that somehow over time the out of focus shots will manifest into very sharp images. But then Rathika Madam ensured that you get into the discipline of reviewing your images the same day and delete mercilessly. I must say I still ended up bringing home 3000 odd pictures from 4 days of workshop and after 2 years I still have 200 odd left though I know there is probably 2 pictures that are worth showcasing in the context that it was my first outing of wildlife photography.
Would like to share few images from the workshop and video.
Thank you for reading my first bird photography outing experience.
Happy Clicking!
Ananthakrishnan Srinivasan
*** Photographs & Video @Ananthakrishnan Srinivasan
Wildlife photography field tips
Wildlife photography field tips
Would like to share few important field tips to remember in wildlife photography
Tip 1: Watch the body language of the animals/birds. For action photography you have to anticipate their action, before pressing the shutter. When you read and understand about the behaviour of the species, we can anticipate their moves.
Example : Sarus crane have a fascinating mating ritual, starting with making a trumpet call followed by an elaborate courtship dance, which symbolizes a celebration of love. This particular image was taken few years back at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur. While shooting ducks, this pair suddenly landed on a small mount just ahead of me. I found them calling in synchrony and performing a well- choreographed salsa dance. Just after the courtship call, the pair usually jumps up in the air happily and then started dancing. When you look to capture action shots, give some space while composing. As they may be jumping and running, if you frame too tight, part of the subject may get cut off in the image.
Tip 2 : Expect the unexpected. Keep your gear ready at all times at a game reserve until you come out. You will never know what you may come across.
On one of my trips to the park few years back, I could not get any Tiger sighting for three days, though I came across many alarm calls of Deer. On the fourth day, when I was on my way out from the park in the evening, I suddenly spotted a movement in the roadside bushes.I found a Tiger coming out, though I hadn’t heard any alarm calls. It walked down the side of a stream that was crossing the road. At the same time, a herd of Deer that was grazing on the other side of the stream set eyes on the tiger. I expected the Tiger to hunt and the herd to dash away and waited with bated breath. To my surprise, the Deer stood still and the Tiger was oblivious. I was waiting and hoping that the Tiger would turn its glance towards the Deer. It did do so for a second, and I got a memorable moment to capture a predator and prey looking at each other. The entire sequence got over in no time. I was supposed to pack, but as always I remember keep my gear ready with me, until I come out from the park.
Tip 3 : Use 360° rule. If you are shooting a subject, look around your surroundings as well. You may unexpectedly come across other interesting wildlife.
When I was shooting Ducks, I took my eyes off from the viewfinder for a second and looking sideways, I came across this scene. Sometimes, you get the most amazing shots when you least expect it. I was once shooting migratory fowls in Keolodeo National Park, Bharatpur. While I was kneeling on the ground to shoot them, all of a sudden, I saw something hurrying towards me. I turned my lens to see what that was. I was astonished to find a Monitor lizard running for its life as a pair of Parakeets was fiercely attacking it and trying to bite its tail. Here the Parakeet pair was driving away the lizard that was looking to steal the eggs.
Tip 4 : When you shoot action scenes, shoot continually until action lasts. Don’t stop after you got a few good shots, thinking that it is enough. This action may happen again, and when it does, try to improve the shots. If you are in a bird sanctuary, find out the vantage point that has a good background, lighting, and ample bird activity, and spend more time there.
A memorable fight that I managed to capture is between two Indian darters (Anhinga melanogaster) at Keolodeo National Park, Bharatpur. On opposite sides of a lake popular among Darters for fishing, I noticed two of them perched on trees, drying their wings and calling out loudly. They kept looking at each other. In a sudden instant, both dived into the water. After swimming close to each other for a couple of moments, they started fighting, splashing water all around. They fought for a short while and then returned to the trees.
Tip 5 : Keep a safe distance from animals like Tiger and Elephant when with their babies as they are extra alert to any disturbance. We should strictly refrain from taking photographs of nesting, except in case of breeding colonies such as that of Painted Stork, which do not get disturbed. If you find animals with their babies, spend time with them to capture their different playful moods.
Tip 6 : To capture more than one subject with good details, increase the depth of field. Always keep a good distance to be able to shoot them without intruding. Use a Zoom lens to capture the images. Prime lens may result in tight framing and cut off some part of the subjects.
Tip 7 : For bird photography take the help of a local guide, who can help direct you to the right locations. Make sure you talk to your safari driver about what you want, as he would help in getting the best point of view.
Tip 8 : After shooting usual profile shots, do not take your eyes off from the viewfinder. Make sure to increase your ISO and shutter speed to freeze the action. Be alert as the movement may be unpredictable.
Tips 9: Local saying goes that if you respect the forest and wildlife, they won’t disappoint you. As a wildlife photographer, having in-depth knowledge of subjects, their behavior patterns and habitat help in getting such images.
Happy Clicking!
Rathika Ramasamy