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 Born in Theni. Photography has been Rathika Ramasamy's passion for a long time, in her words, "I used to shoot travel, landscape and portrait photography. Nature photography began around 2003, with my digital SLR D70. I always look for a story in the subject; looking for behavioural interaction, as I love to capture action shots. Each photograph has a story to tell its viewer. At the end of the day, I try to bring nature close to the viewer.
Rathika Ramasamy talks to Jaya Sharma about her tales and her love for photography.
What attracted you to the animal kingdom?
I love nature and I am passionate about birds. Many birding spots and national parks surround New Delhi, where I live. New Delhi is main route of migratory birds; the bonus is a chance to see their world, up close.
Where do you get your inspiration? Would you call wildlife photography as a means of artistic expression?
The more I read about birds and animals, and observing nature from close proximity is all it takes, for nature in itself is very inspiring. The favourite part of my job is waiting in the field, anticipating the action to happen with excitement, and capturing the moment.
I tend to visualise the photograph that I want to capture. So, definitely, wildlife photography reflects the photographer's style and artistic expression.
Name three photographers or artists you like and why?
Arthur Morris for his bird photography, creating best art images from birds.
Moose Peterson for his Wildlife and landscape photography. He is among the earliest wildlife photographers to use the digital camera. Steve McCurry for his documentary photographs. His timeless Afghan Girl portrait is still my favourite portrait.
Tell us about your photographic safaris.
My best experience has been at the Jim Corbett National Park, on the banks of Ramganga River, where you get to watch the birds and stay in the jungle camp. On the other side, the Kanha Tiger Reserve is one of the best places to spot the tiger.
Recently I had been to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. Serengeti National Park is one of the largest wildlife reserves in the world and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ngorongoro Crater is one of best places for shooting wildlife. Lake Manyara is a shallow freshwater lake that hosts more than 300 migratory birds and animals.
Which photographic lens do you use most often?
My favourite lens is Nikon AF-S VR 600mm f/4G ED, its long telephoto lens, used for bird photography is one I use.
How can the wildlife photographers help protect the wildlife and conservation?
It can be helpful to explain how human activities affect wildlife and their habitats.
As photographs help to records correct information, several non-profit conservation organisations use wildlife photographs to create awareness campaigns. I contribute my images for conservation purposes.
What would want to do differently during your photography career?
I would like to shoot wildlife in wide-angle photography. I haven't tried black and white in wildlife.
What's the most important lesson photography has taught you?
I wanted to shoot wildlife and here I am. I have learnt to be patient, and have been rewarded with most memorable images.
On conservation
The main threat for the conservation is the loss of habitat. Deforestation and poaching act as the catalysts the damage caused to the habitat. We have to preserve our wildlife and environment for next generation."
Immediate project
The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has assigned me the 2011 calendar shoot as an assignment.
Dream project
I would love to visit Kaziranga Sanctuary in Assam, to shoot endangered Great One-horned Rhinoceros."
Best photography assignment
The most interesting assignment, so far, is shooting Sarus crane at Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
I was waiting for a moment to capture the elaborate courtship dances by these cranes. When I did, I was in seventh heaven. These photographs are possibly the best of my pick.
By Jaya Sharma |
