Wildlife photography is a true test of patience

They say the wild has seen you a hundred times before you see it even once, and that couldn’t be more accurate

Five minute read

An ace photographer Madhur Nangia in conversation with Irat Bhat at timesheadline.in

The photographer is a self-taught landscape and wildlife photographer from New Delhi, India with around eight years of experience. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Nikon India, India Photo Art Magazine, and many more.

Emotions are the universal language of the natural world, connecting all living beings in a delicate web of relationships. From majestic lions to tiny ants, emotions drive actions and interactions, with joy, love, fear, and resilience woven into the fabric of life. Wildlife photography offers a window into this emotional world, revealing the beauty, complexity, and depth of emotions that exist beyond our own species.

she has dedicated her craft to capturing these emotional moments, revealing the intricate bonds between animals and their environments. Her photographs are a testament to the power of empathy and connection, reminding us that we are not alone in our emotional experiences.

Her photographs capture heartwarming moments, like a mother leopard tenderly caring for her five cubs, embodying fierce devotion and unconditional love. Yet, her lens also reveals life’s fragility, as a cheetah’s piercing gaze contrasts with a gazelle’s serene farewell, a poignant reminder of the natural world’s delicate balance.

Ultimately, every picture tells a story that reflects us and our emotions. The intricacies of emotions know no bounds, transcending all forms of life and earth and speaking directly to our hearts.

What obstacles have you encountered while photographing wildlife, and what strategies did you use to overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges in wildlife photography is its sheer unpredictability. The wild is an
untamed realm where nothing can be scripted or anticipated. They say the wild has seen you a
hundred times before you see it even once, and that couldn’t be more accurate.
Animals decide whether to make an appearance or stay hidden. They control the timing, the distance
they keep, and the opportunities they offer. This makes being ready for every move incredibly
challenging but also deeply rewarding.

The key to overcoming this is a combination of patience, alertness, and preparedness. Staying
constantly vigilant and prepared for action ensures I don’t miss those fleeting moments when they
finally reveal themselves. Beyond that, it’s about respecting nature’s rhythms and surrendering
control, allowing the wild to dictate the narrative.

What was the motivating factor that kept you going through high and low?

Though I wouldn’t deny that wildlife photography is a true test of patience, it’s the anticipation of the
unexpected that keeps me motivated. The thought that something extraordinary could be around the
corner is what fuels my resolve. I often remind myself that the reward for waiting long hours far
outweighs the monotony of the wait.

It’s true that waiting can become tedious at times, and I’ve seen other vehicles give up and turn back.
But my vehicle has never reversed. I’ve learned that persistence pays off, and those moments of
unwavering patience have often led to some of my most rewarding captures. For me, it’s about
staying committed and trusting that nature will eventually reveal its wonders.

What has been the most challenging subject or moment to capture through your lens, and what made it so difficult?

For me, the most challenging scenes to photograph are chase and hunting sequences. These events
are rare to witness, and even when you do, being thoroughly prepared is critical. Despite meticulous
readiness, there’s a high likelihood of missed shots, especially when an animal like a cheetah is
involved.

The speed and unpredictability of both predator and prey make these moments incredibly dynamic.
The action unfolds so rapidly that even the most advanced cameras can struggle to keep up.
Capturing the intensity, motion, and emotions in such fleeting seconds is no easy feat.

After numerous failed attempts, I finally managed to capture a successful chase and hunt last time I
visited Masai Mara. It was a moment of triumph born out of persistence, patience, and constant
learning

What is the most unforgettable experience or encounter you’ve had during your photography expeditions, and how has it stayed with you?

One of the most unforgettable experiences I had was during a recent trip to the Maasai Mara, in Kenya, where I witnessed what can only be described as ‘The Circle of Life’ unfolding before my eyes.

It was late evening, and as we were heading to camp, we spotted a three-day-old gazelle being
chased by a jackal. The mother gazelle valiantly intervened, trying to fend off the predator, but was
soon distracted by another jackal approaching from a different direction. The little gazelle ran for its
life, showing remarkable agility and determination, and for a moment, it seemed like it might escape.

However, fate had other plans. In an unexpected turn, the gazelle dashed straight into the path of a
lion that had just woken from its afternoon siesta. The lion seized the opportunity, and the scene left
us speechless. It was a stark and humbling reminder of the raw, unfiltered reality of the wild—a
moment of survival, struggle, and the interconnectedness of life and death in nature.

This encounter not only reinforced my respect for the wild but also deepened my commitment to
capturing and sharing these stories with the world.

The wildlife photography exhibition at India International Centre, which ran from January 8 to 20, 2025 was a must-visit for all nature lovers. Those who attended witnessed the breathtaking beauty of our planet’s wildlife through the photographer’s lens.

Photographs by: Madhur Nangia

Read the first part of the wildlife tales series here at timesheadline.in