How Indian astrophotographer Prathamesh Jaju’s clearest image of the Moon went viral
Written by: Charu Thakur
(January 7, 2021) It was seven days past the full moon, and astrophotographer Prathamesh Jaju from Pune, telescope and planetary camera in hand, was on his terrace. There with utmost concentration, he captured the last quarter moon on an ordinary night in May 2021.
It took me almost four-and-a-half hours to capture 38 videos of the entire surface of the moon using a panoramic photography technique. Each video consists of 2,000 frames that make a single picture.”
The photo taking shape in those four hours made this amateur astrophotographer an instant internet sensation. Taking one of the clearest and most detailed images of the Moon is no mean feat. The then 16-year-old did it and it went viral with 69,734 likes till date. Prathamesh even got approval from a Nasa scientist for the sensational click. Today, he has 101k Instagram followers, and counting.
The picture of quarter moon that went viral
The photo that went viral
“It took me almost four-and-a-half hours to capture 38 videos of the entire surface of the moon using a panoramic photography technique. Each video consists of 2,000 frames that make a single picture. I had to stack 38 images together to get that one perfect shot. It took me over 40 hours to process over 50,000 images which almost killed my laptop,” laughs Prathamesh, quite the pro.
Overnight, this internet star could barely believe the interest it generated worldwide. “I woke up to the news of the picture being circulated almost everywhere. My friends kept sending me newspaper articles that carried the photo. It was quite mind-blowing to see my photo going viral, and people appreciating it,” Prathamesh reveals to Global Indian.
The photo got a huge thumbs up from netizens, including a scientist from NASA too. “Apart from Instagram, I had also posted the picture on Reddit and got a really good response. A scientist from NASA, who was a part of the Apollo Mission, saw the picture and appreciated it for its clarity. It was quite a moment for me,” adds the astrophotographer, who beautifully captured the craters and mineral deposits on the lunar surface.
Panvel-born Jaju’s fascination for outer space had its seed in the pop-culture phenomenon called Star Wars. It was George Lucas’ world of space adventures that exposed a very young Prathamesh to the outer world, and from then, there was no turning back. “Star Wars and Star Trek were my introduction to outer space as a child, and it intrigued me. I was keen to know and learn more,” says Prathamesh.
In his quest to get closer to his dream, the then 11-year-old Prathamesh found himself on the grounds of IUCAA (The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics) in Pune, ready for a night of star-gazing. “Each year on National Science Day, IUCAA organises science-related activities for people in Pune. I found it to be the perfect opportunity to learn about stars and planets,” reveals the amateur astrophotographer.
His first real tryst with the stars that night opened up a plethora of opportunities for as he was introduced to Jyotirvidya Parisanstha, the oldest association of amateur astronomers in India. “At IUCAA, I met members of Jyotirvidya Parisanstha (JVP), and that’s when my journey into astrophotography and astronomy started,” recalls the SP Junior College student.
Prathamesh Jaju with his telescope
In 2017, Prathamesh joined JVP as a volunteer to quench his thirst for knowledge about astronomy. “JVP was started in 1944 by some people from Pune to spread the knowledge of astronomy in public. It’s an NGO run by volunteers with an interest in astronomy,” says Jaju, whose association with JVP is five years old. “It was here that I learnt the basics of astronomy, how to use a telescope, and developed an interest in astrophotography,” adds the 17-year-old.
The hobby soon developed into a passion when his uncle gifted him a telescope in 2019. “I have set up the telescope on my terrace and I often watch the stars and planets sitting in the comfort of my home,” adds Prathamesh, who has found a great support system in his parents. If his mother often accompanies him on star-gazing, he takes advice from his businessman father while processing images.
A picture perfect glance
Those picture-perfect images of the moon and planets are a detailed study. “I have a planetary and lunar imaging camera ZWO462, which is more like a webcam and can shoot up to 10,000-15,000 frames in a minute video without blurring or pixelating the images. I use it to capture a particular star, planet or moon. But for deep sky objects like nebulae or star clusters, I use a DSLR Canon 1300D that I have modified and attach to the telescope,” says Prathamesh.
A photo of Himalayan Milky Way clicked by Prathamesh Jaju
From stunning photos of Nebulae to Jupiter to Saturn to the Moon and Milky Way, his Instagram page is nothing short of a window into outer space. “I learnt the basics of astrophotography from senior volunteers at JVP, and rest from YouTube tutorials,” says the boy who wants to pursue a career in astronomy and astrophysics.
Patience, he says, is key to capturing these phenomenal pictures. “I think one of the biggest challenges for any astrophotographer is clouds or bad weather. At times, I have to wait for hours before clicking that one good picture,” says the athlete who has participated in the long jump nationals.
Has his life has changed after the viral image, Jaju reveals, “Now, I am more conscious of what I click, and the content I post on social media as people are waiting for my photos.”
A picture of Nebula clicked by Prathamesh Jaju
But it’s his love for sky gazing that brings him back to his telescope every few days. “Looking at the space, it makes me realise that I am just a speck of dust in the Universe. The objects that I click are light years away from us. Looking at them feels like I am time travelling. My telescope and cameras act as a time machine for me. It is so surreal and exciting to have the experience of watching them,” signs off Jaju who plans to capture more galaxies and nebulae the next.
(August 19, 2023) In the vast expanse of the world of photography, fresh perspectives are constantly emerging, reshaping narratives and challenging norms. As we mark World Photography Day, Global Indian takes a look at young photographers, who have not only demonstrated prodigious talent but have also made significant international impacts with their work. From poignant moments captured amidst global movements to the serene intricacies of wildlife and urban tales told through the gaze of confinement, these young talents invite us into their world, challenging us to see through their eyes. Dive into the journeys of Akshat Bagla, Aman Sharma, Dhanu Paran, and Pubarun Basu – photographers who have broken borders, not just with their camera's reach but with the profound narratives they've chosen to depict. Akshat Bagla: From Kolkata streets to global fashion's elite In a whirlwind career, Akshat Bagla evolved from a 17-year-old Artist-in-Residence with Kolkata's Rotary Club to Director of Photography for Differio, a globally renowned gay menswear company. Akshat's love affair with the camera began at 13, photographing meals and moments. “I thank my cousin, he’s the reason I’m here,” he confessed to The Daring. [caption id="attachment_32654" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] A photo shot by Akshat Bagla in New
Akshat Bagla: From Kolkata streets to global fashion's elite
In a whirlwind career, Akshat Bagla evolved from a 17-year-old Artist-in-Residence with Kolkata's Rotary Club to Director of Photography for Differio, a globally renowned gay menswear company. Akshat's love affair with the camera began at 13, photographing meals and moments. “I thank my cousin, he’s the reason I’m here,” he confessed to The Daring.
[caption id="attachment_32654" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] A photo shot by Akshat Bagla in New York City. Source: www.akshatbagla.com[/caption]
Growing up in a Kolkata business family, it was expected he'd take over the reins. Yet, a revelatory experience with his first photos shifted his trajectory. Despite initial parental hesitation, Akshat's dedication to photography only grew, especially evident during the pandemic's onset in Kolkata. He ventured out daily, rediscovering his city. “I explored more areas and talked to more people than I ever did in the sixteen years of living there before.” Despite initial parental hesitation, Akshat's dedication to photography only grew, especially evident during the pandemic's onset in Kolkata. He ventured out daily, rediscovering his city. “I explored more areas and talked to more people than I ever did in the sixteen years of living there before.”
The Rotary Club archive task at 17 kickstarted his official journey, followed by a fruitful tenure at the School of Visual Arts. From capturing the essence of the Black Lives Matter movement to vibrant Gay Pride shoots for Differio, Akshat’s expertise in re-branding is gaining recognition.
Staying authentically Indian, Akshat veers away from trending black and white photos. “As a visual artist, I rely on our traditional affinity to colours,” he stated. His Bengingi bread shoots and the Gay Pride campaign, though commercial, are considered art. As he documented faces during the BLM protests, his motive was clear: “I’m trying to tell their story at the end of the day.”
At just 20, Aman Sharma is recognized as one of India's youngest and most followed wildlife photographers, and is Nikon's youngest creator. But it's not just his art that's gaining attention. Celebrities like Leonardo Di Caprio and Greta Thunberg admire Aman's dedication to the environment.
His 2019 petition, urging the Indian government to declare a climate emergency, resonated internationally. Accumulating 350,000 signatures, it spurred similar campaigns worldwide. Collaborating with Change.org and 74 global petitions, Aman's campaign garnered 1.2 million signatures. This massive movement catalyzed climate emergency declarations in the European Union, UK, Austria, New York, and more.
Currently an Environmental Studies student at the University of Pennsylvania, Aman's passion roots from childhood visits to national parks. His early interest evolved into 'Cuckoo Club', an initiative educating children about urban wildlife. His Instagram page showcases India’s diverse avian life, connecting over 600k followers to the country's natural heritage.
Aman's international achievements include speaking at the 75th UN General Assembly and the Nobel Peace Centre’s Oslo Pax. Back home, he stresses the urgency of climate awareness and action. India, though advancing in renewable energy, faces challenges with growing coal demands. Aman believes in young India's potential to combat climate change. This World Environment Day, he inspires us all to pledge towards a greener future.
Dhanu Paran: Capturing nature's majesty from Anamalai to international acclaim
Dhanu Paran is making waves in the world of wildlife photography. In 2023, he clinched the Siena Drone Photo Awards' Wildlife category with his shot of an elephant at rest in Tamil Nadu's Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
From Pollachi, India, Dhanu's passion for the lens ignited when he was just 10. His prowess was evident when, still in his teenage years, he secured the Wildlife Photographer of the Year award for an evocative piece titled 'Hornbill losing patience'."For the past 13 years, I've been engrossed in wildlife photography and filmmaking, starting at age 10. My fascination comes from my intense urge to observe wildlife closely, capturing their most intricate details," says Dhanu.
Dhanu's commitment is evident in his extensive treks, specifically a 22 km journey to spot the great hornbills. On one occasion, he artfully captured a hornbill's fleeting annoyance at a Nilgiri langur, highlighting the bird’s magnificent, outstretched wings. These majestic hornbills are recognized by their eye-catching hollow horns or casques atop large, curved beaks. Residing mainly in regions with expansive trees like the Anaimalai Hills, these hornbills are known to display aerial ‘casque-butting’ combats between males. However, these unique casques have made them a target, being highly prized by hunters.
Pubaran Basu, the first Indian to win a Sony World Photography Award
In 2021, Pubarun Basu was distinguished as the Youth Photographer of the Year, spotlighting his deep-seated love for photography. His award-winning 2020 photo, "No Escape from Reality," which captured a poignant moment during the lockdown, fetched him this title at the Sony World Photography Awards, making him the first Indian to receive such an honor. "My photo was selected among 3,30,000 entries from around 29 countries. It was a very humbling experience," Pubarun told Global Indian.
Inspired by his photographer father from a young age, the Kolkata-born talent recalls, “I vividly remember my father handing me his camera... I somehow managed to take a picture by imitation.” His early ventures into photography matured into a signature style, with a fondness for capturing sunsets, portraits, and street photography.
His award-winning shot depicted the emotion of confinement during the lockdown. “One evening, sunlight seeping through the windows gave the illusion of a cage. I asked my mom to touch the curtain, representing being trapped in a moment," describes Pubarun.
The accolade catapulted his career, leading to his photo being showcased internationally and winning the Indica cultural photography grant 2021. Aspiring to convey impactful narratives, he states, “I want my voice to be heard through my art.” Paying homage to his father's influence, he adds, “I have learnt everything from him...
(July 11, 2024) It was a pair of red vented bulbuls that changed Aman Sharma's life, when they built their nest on his balcony. He happened to have a camera, and would take photos of the beautiful little birds. And the rest, as they say, is history. By this time, frequent family trips to national parks had already sparked a deep love for nature and the teenager was enchanted - he hadn't really imagined that his bustling city was home to birds beyond crows and sparrows. Aman would wake up at 6 am to spend time observing birds before school. His terrace was his private observatory, and he even set up his own garden, with over 500 plants, to attract birds to his 'urban jungle'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aman Sharma 🐳🇮🇳 (@birds_of_india_) Turning a Hobby into a Movement "When I asked my school teacher and my family, they had no idea there were so many species in the city itself," he says. So, he founded the 'Cuckoo Club', a series of nature walks and visits to nearby national parks, conducted by children for children. "Soon, we became India's largest birding community for
"When I asked my school teacher and my family, they had no idea there were so many species in the city itself," he says. So, he founded the 'Cuckoo Club', a series of nature walks and visits to nearby national parks, conducted by children for children. "Soon, we became India's largest birding community for youth by youth." He went on to become India's youngest wildlife photographer, as well as a vocal advocate against climate change on international platforms. "In our curriculum we are not taught beyond education. We are not taught about the wildlife that exists beyond our backyards. How many people know that Delhi is the second-most bird-populous city in the world, with more than 500 species of birds. Almost 18 years of being in school and I was never taught this," he says.
Achieving Global Recognition
Now twenty years old and a student at the University of Pennsylvania, the Global Indian is a three-time TEDx speaker and Nikon's youngest ambassador. In 2019, his petition calling for a climate emergency gathered 1.2 million signatures across 70 different countries. That's not all. The EU, Austria, UK and the state of New York actually declared climate emergencies, and Aman gained appreciation from Leonado Di Caprio and Greta Thunberg. That year, he also received an invitation to speak at the Climate and Peace Summit, Oslo Pax. Aman also the first Indian photographer to be featured in Times Square, New York.
Aman's Instagram page Birds of India, has over half a million followers and he looks every bit the teen that he is as he goes on shoots with his mum by his side. His parents helped him find his love for nature at a young age. "They used to take us to national parks and forests as kid for our family holidays," he said, in an interview. And he realised, that although we share our land with thousands of other species, there is still a big gap between human lives and nature. "I started taking school kids out to urban wildlife spaces, and national parks, by co-founding the Cuckoo Club," Aman says. "I wanted to spread the idea that bird watching can be done by young children as well."
As he entered his teens, Aman began sacrificing the "parties and weekend outings with friends" to travel instead. He would head to the hills of Uttarakahand and the deserts of Rajasthan, to document India's immense variety of avian life. "I wanted to bring attention to India's wildlife and national heritage. That is when this turned into a passion more than a hobby."
In those early days, the young wildlife photographer wouldn't always carry a high-end DSLR with all its trappings. He chose his Samsung phone instead, which was portable and allowed for more spontaneous shots. In fact, in 2020, during a Hampta Pass trek in Manali, he took a photo. He took it down later, thinking it wasn't good enough. A couple of months later, during another road trip, he received an email from Samsung India, asking to feature his photograph. Although this was in the middle of the pandemic, offers began pouring in and Aman soon established himself as a wildlife photographer.
When he went to summer school at Ashoka Universities, a professor there told him about Environmental Studies. Aman immediately caught on to the idea, and was accepted into the University of Pennsylvania, after which he hopes to work in the climate and conservation space.
(September 15, 2024) When 9-year-old Shreyovi Mehta decided to go on a morning stroll with her parents in the forests of Keoladev National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, little did she know that she was about to capture one of the most stunning photos that would earn her a runner-up title at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Armed with her telephoto lens, she marched into the national park and found her perfect shot in two peahens standing opposite each other during a misty winter morning. [caption id="attachment_39250" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Shreyovi Mehta[/caption] The captivating photograph, titled In the Spotlight, got her a place in the Under 10 Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year category, organised by the Natural History Museum in London. The photo of the peahens surrounded by a tunnel of vegetation against a peachy dawn sky was selected from over 59,000 entries from 117 countries. "My heart is filled with immense joy and gratitude," Shreyovi wrote on her Instagram. The youngster, who calls the moment unbelievable, is proud to represent Bharat on the global stage. "India’s rich wildlife and heritage has been a source of endless inspiration, and I promise to keep working hard to bring more of
moment unbelievable, is proud to represent Bharat on the global stage. "India’s rich wildlife and heritage has been a source of endless inspiration, and I promise to keep working hard to bring more of it to you," she added.
The Grade 5 student at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad was in London last year when her mother bought her a ticket to visit the Natural History Museum. Sharing the trivia, she said, "Last year mom bought a ticket to take me here. Little did I know that this year I would be invited by @nhm_wpy to share the stage with the best in the field of #wildlifephotography Super excited to learn from the images that will be showcased at Wildlife Photographer of the Year in October 2024."
The BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, often dubbed the "Oscars of Wildlife Photography," draws more than 50,000 entries from 95 countries globally. Shreyovi's accomplishment not only showcases her remarkable talent but also brings immense pride to India, as she becomes the youngest Indian to receive this prestigious honor.
Taking inspiration from dad
It was her seasoned photographer father Shivang Mehta who inspired a very young Shreyvoi to pick up the camera. From a young age, she started accompanying her dad and found her passion in photography. In a short span, she developed a keen eye for detail and perfect timing which helped her capture the shot. When she saw the two peahens, she instantly recognised the potential of a great shot and soon ran to her father to grab her camera and take the perfect shot from a low angle.
"In this selection, you see species diversity, a range of behavior, and conservation issues. These images represent the evolution of the competition through the years, from pure natural history to photography that fully embraces representation of the natural world - the beauty and the challenges," Kathy Moran, chair of the judging panel, said in a statement.
Shreyovi Mehta calls her parents the wind beneath her wings who have always encouraged her to follow her dreams. "Even when they seemed too big for a kid like me. Your love and encouragement have been my greatest strength."
Future plan
It is on October 8 that her photo will be exhibited at the Natural History Museum’s prestigious exhibition, along with the work of the world's top wildlife photographers. "This is just the beginning! I will keep learning, improving, and striving to do even better. The journey continues, and I’m excited for what’s next! That’s Shreyovi’s promise."
After capturing India's national bird through her lens, she now aims to put the tiger - India's national animal - in the spotlight where it can be recognised on a platform as big as the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. "I will continue to practice so that one day even our national animal - the tiger gets the same recognition," she said.
Shreyovi's journey as a young wildlife photographer is nothing short of inspiring. At just 10 years old, she has already etched her name among the world's most talented photographers, with her breathtaking image of peahens captivating a global audience. Her deep connection to India’s wildlife, nurtured by her father’s guidance and her own passion for photography, promises a bright future. This is only the beginning for Shreyovi, whose talent and drive will undoubtedly continue to make waves in the world of wildlife photography.
(November 3, 2022) Photographer Akshat Bagla first arrived on the scene when he was 17 years old, as an Artist-in-Residence at his local chapter of the Rotary Club in Kolkata. He hasn't looked back since. After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York, the now 23-year-old Akshat has been appointed as the Director of Photography for Differio, the world's largest gay menswear company. Akshat was 13 years old when he first learned from his cousin how to use a camera. As the family gathered around the dinner table, the cousins would spend their time taking photos of the food. "I thank my cousin, he's the reason I'm here," Akshat told The Daring. He and his camera were not easily parted after that and Akshat would take photographs of everything he could, from his friends to things he saw on the streets. [caption id="attachment_23761" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Akshat Bagla[/caption] Akshat's road less travelled Born in Kolkata, to a business family that distributes raw paper, Akshat was trained from an early age as the young scion, primed even as a child to take over the family business. The advent of photography changed all that. The moment of reckoning arrived when
trained from an early age as the young scion, primed even as a child to take over the family business. The advent of photography changed all that. The moment of reckoning arrived when he came home with his first set of images. "I put everything on the computer, and I saw the images. I was reliving the whole moment. I was looking at something I experienced but in the form of a photo, which I could cherish for the longest time," he told The Daring. "What got to me more than the camera and the medium itself is the whole idea of capturing a moment for eternity, you know?"
He did his best to photograph everything he could, going out into the streets as much as he could. Not that walking through the streets was easy. Akshat had grown up sheltered and his parents didn't fancy the idea of wandering around alone. When the pandemic started in March 2020, Akshat returned home to Kolkata. He would go out every day, waking up early to take photographs. "I explored so many areas, and I talked to more people than I ever did in the sixteen years of living there before."
[caption id="attachment_23762" align="aligncenter" width="708"] A photo in Kolkata by Akshat Bagla. Source: www.akshatbagla.com[/caption]
Answering the call to adventure
It was the start of a new life in more ways than one. The camera that always hung at his side emboldened the young man, helping him open himself up to the world. "It made me more outgoing and able to talk to anyone, anywhere," he said.
Being able to follow his dreams took some doing, especially at home. Still, his parents did come around to his way of thinking. The first turning point came when he was 17, when he was entrusted with restructuring and editing the priceless photo archive of The Rotary Club of Calcutta, which chronicles the institution's century-long history.
Studying at the School of Visual Arts only brought him more exposure, from working with the online presence of Indus Net Technologies to photographing bread for the NYC-based academy Bengingi. Akshat has also chronicled the Black Lives Matter protests and done Gay Pride photo shoots for Differio. He has also made himself a name as a re-branding expert.
[caption id="attachment_23763" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] A photo shot by Akshat Bagla in New York City. Source: www.akshatbagla.com[/caption]
Staying true to his roots
Black and white photography is all the rage these days, as it has been for a while. Not for Akshat, though. He prefers to lean into his Indian-ness, to celebrate the vibrance and colour of his homeland. "As a visual artist, I rely on our traditional affinity to colours," he said, in an interview with Outlook. "Cinematic fashion / food photography and rebranding - my two specialties - call for careful proportion between daring and comforting," he told Newstrack.
Bagla's bread photographs for Bengingi and the Gay Pride photo shoot for Differio have been hailed as works of art, although they stand as marketing campaigns. In America, Akshat honed his skills, learning to frame images from what he saw around him. At the BLM protests, where thousands gathered on the streets, Akshat would walk effortlessly up to people and strike up a conversation, before documenting them. "I'm trying to tell their story at the end of the day," he said.
(January 31, 2023) His Instagram page is a gateway into the wilderness. If the beautiful dusky leaf monkey of Malaysia stares right back with those distinctive eyes in one capture, the other has a stunning diademed sifaka revelling in his natural habitat in Madagascar. That’s Arshdeep Singh for you - the teenager behind the phenomenal snapshots that have earned him a credible place among the wildlife photographer fraternity. And he is just 15 years of age. It was a splendid snapshot of a treetop douc that earned this boy from Jalandhar the tag of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2020. “When I started, I never expected to gain so much recognition at such an early age. I am happy that my photos are loved by millions,” says Arshdeep in an interview with Global Indian. He continued the winning streak by bagging the Asian Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021, and very recently, a picture of a 'winking' owl earned the teenager the Junior Award at the 2022 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. The photo clicked in Bikaner during a family trips, helped him bag the prize, making him the only Indian to make the cut. [caption id="attachment_26994" align="aligncenter" width="725"] The picture
[caption id="attachment_26994" align="aligncenter" width="725"] The picture of a 'winking owl' that won Arshdeep Singh an award[/caption]
It runs in the family
Born in Jalandhar to a businessman father and a homemaker mother, Arshdeep’s fascination for nature and the wildlife translated early on into a passion for capturing them on his lens. He was all of five when his dad Randeep Singh gifted him a DSLR on his birthday, after seeing his young son’s raw talent. “My dad loves photography and pursues it as a hobby. When I was three, I would often see him holding large cameras, and that sight enthralled me. I wanted to do the same,” recalls the boy, who got tips from his father and learnt from YouTube videos.
His first camera forays were capturing snapshots in his grandmother’s backyard, which impressed his father immensely. Soon he started accompanying his father to the outskirts of Kapurthala to birdwatch. “Dad has been my teacher. His love for wildlife rubbed off on me and I started learning photography from him,” reveals the Apeejay School student.
An avid wildlife enthusiast, Singh loves to explore the fauna across the world. From the tropical forests of Malaysia to Madagascar’s enchanting woodland, the class nine student has explored wildlife across continents. On a trip to Vietnam in 2020, he came close to the red-shanked douc langur, taking a photo which won him the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. On his father’s business trip to the Son Tra nature reserve, Vietnam’s last coastal rainforest, and a habitat for the langur, he captured the mercurial creature. After reading about the endangered species, Arshdeep, waited for more than an hour to capture the douc. “I took more than 1,000 pictures but was unable to get that perfect shot of the treetop douc. After more than an hour, I found the perfect one. If you look at the langur, he looks like he is wearing a grey coat and black-brown pants – that’s what makes this photo so incredible,” says the teenager, who won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2020 in the 11-to-14-year category.
[caption id="attachment_8986" align="aligncenter" width="817"] Arshdeep Singh's award-winning picture of Tree Douc[/caption]
The accolades, they keep coming
His passion and love for photography have earned him accolades internationally, though the teenager still has to battle fiercely against his family and school to earn respect. “Only my father was supportive of my decision to pursue photography. My mom and grandparents were quite unhappy with my choice. Like every family, they wanted me to focus on studies. Even my school was against it as I was missing classes,” divulges Arshdeep.
However, his accolades and a great body of work have helped change perspectives. “My mom is super proud and so is my school. I now strike a balance between my passion and studies. I mostly indulge in photography during vacations or weekends,” says the boy, who is greatly inspired by Vijayan Thomas, a renowned wildlife photographer.
Singh loves nature and often travels to the hills of Himachal with his Nikon D500 in search of impeccable shots. “Between landscape and wildlife photography, I prefer the latter. While the landscape hardly changes, there is always a thrill in clicking wildlife as nothing is certain. However, it does need a great deal of patience,” he reveals.
Patience helped him earn the award-winning shot of owlets peeping through a pipe. Then a 10-year-old, Arshdeep spotted a pair of owlets in a pipe one balmy Sunday morning (2018) on his way to Kapurthala for birdwatching. “I remember it was 6.30 am when I saw the owlets, and asked my dad to stop the car. Although dad was sceptical as owls are nocturnal birds and not easily spotted in the day, I was sure. We patiently waited for an hour after which both the owlets peeked up at the pipe, and I got a picture-perfect shot,” smiles Arshdeep about the photo that won him the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018. “It was such an amazing moment that I couldn’t sleep the entire night,” reveals the wildlife buff.
[caption id="attachment_8987" align="aligncenter" width="873"] Owl in pipe[/caption]
A nature lover, he has travelled to over 15 countries, and is keen on creating a greener world. “I have planted trees in my backyard, and would like more people to take the initiative. It’s high time we maintain the ecosystem and help wildlife enjoy their habitats,” affirms Singh.
Accolades aside, Arshdeep wants to help people learn photography. “I am keen to launch a course for amateur photographers. It’s important to give back, and I wish to do so with my course,” Singh signs off. Photography changed his life, and he now wants to help others do so too.
A photo shot by Akshat Bagla in New York City. Source: 
A photo in Kolkata by Akshat Bagla. Source: 
A photo shot by Akshat Bagla in New York City. Source: 
The picture of a 'winking owl' that won Arshdeep Singh an award[/caption]
Arshdeep Singh[/caption]
Arshdeep Singh's award-winning picture of Tree Douc[/caption]
Owl in pipe[/caption]