WINGS OF THE WILD
Captivated by the world of birds from an early age, wildlife photographer Rathika Ramasamy continues to chase their stories through her lens…
– Jenitha Jeyarani S
Some chase dreams. Others stumble into them—like Rathika Ramasamy. Growing up in Theni, Tamil Nadu, photography was just a hobby, capturing travels with her Army officer father. Moving to Delhi, she found her calling—not in monuments, but in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. A gifted camera became her companion as she mastered the craft. Her breakthrough came in 2005 with the Clean Ganga Campaign, shifting her focus from beauty to conservation. Today, she’s a celebrated wildlife photographer, driven by a simple love for birds—their resilience, their rhythm, their stories.
In our email exchange, she shared the many inspirations that drive her work, offering a deeper glimpse into her journey.
Looking back on your journey, from a curious child with a camera to a trailblazing wildlife photographer, was there a defining moment when you knew this was your calling?
Photography was always part of my life, but realizing it could be my profession didn’t happen overnight. My father gifted me my first camera, and what began as a hobby soon turned into a passion. It wasn’t just about taking pictures but about observing, understanding, and forming a deep connection with nature. The defining moment came during my first visit to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Watching the vibrant birdlife, their movements, and the quiet narratives unfolding in their world was mesmerizing. I knew then that I wanted to dedicate myself to this craft. A conventional 9-to-5 job never felt right, so I took the leap, embraced an unconventional path, and never looked back. The journey wasn’t easy, but I’ve always believed that when you pursue something with sincerity, things fall into place. By the grace of God, two decades later, I’m still here, capturing the wild frame by frame.
Was there a particular photograph that made you feel, ‘This is something special’—a moment that reaffirmed your choice?
Yes, a moment I’ll never forget. One quiet morning, I came across a Spotted Owlet basking in golden sunlight. Then, another joined, and what followed felt magical—one began preening the other, their beaks touching in what looked like a tender kiss. I clicked the shutter, knowing instantly that I had captured something rare. It wasn’t just the composition or light—it was the emotion, the unspoken bond between them. That image remains one of my most exhibited works, a reminder of why I chose this path. Wildlife photography is about capturing unscripted, profoundly moving moments that resonate beyond the frame.
Indian jungles pose unique challenges compared to places like Africa. Can you recall an instance where everything—light, subject, and timing—fell into place perfectly?
Indian jungles are dense, the light unpredictable, and patience is crucial. One perfect moment was when I witnessed three tiger cubs playing on a mud road. The setting was ideal—no distractions, no vehicles—just the cubs in their playful glory under perfect light. Capturing all three in a single frame with a clean backdrop was an extraordinary stroke of luck. I observed and photographed them for a full 30 minutes, completely immersed in their world of innocence and energy. These rare, fleeting moments make wildlife photography worth every second of waiting.
Wildlife photography was not a well-established career path in India when you started. How did you navigate that challenge and create opportunities for yourself?
Sometimes, not knowing the challenges ahead is a blessing. When I started, wildlife photography was still in its early stages in India. Financially, it was tough, so I took on concept shoots and travel assignments to sustain myself. My love for travel helped—I actively shared my images on forums and built an online portfolio. My first big break came through my online presence, proving that when your work speaks for itself, opportunities follow. By 2010, I launched my website and began conducting workshops, fully dedicating myself to wildlife and bird photography. My background in Computer Engineering kept me technically sharp, while my MBA helped me build my brand. The journey had struggles, but creating opportunities rather than waiting for them made all the difference.
You’ve been vocal about the link between wildlife photography and conservation. How do you think your work has contributed to raising awareness about India’s flora and fauna?
Photography has a unique power—sometimes, a single image can speak louder than words. I have always used my work as a bridge between people and nature. I contribute my images to conservation efforts and research papers because wildlife photography isn’t just about capturing beauty—it’s about storytelling. Over the years, I’ve integrated conservation into my work, through talks, workshops, and lectures at over 100 schools and colleges. Being featured in a Tamil Nadu school textbook in 2019 was an incredible honor. Knowing that my work is reaching and inspiring the next generation is truly fulfilling. My mother was a school teacher, making this recognition even more special. Though she is no longer with me, I know she would have been incredibly proud to see my work inspiring young minds.
A single photograph can change perspectives, making people pause and connect with nature in ways they might not have before. The wild has its own language, and through my images, I try to translate it for the world to understand.
What advice would you give to aspiring wildlife photographers, especially young women looking to enter this field?
Wildlife has no gender bias—the forest welcomes all who respect it. It’s encouraging to see more women stepping into wildlife photography. For those aspiring to join, know that your approach and dedication will define your journey. Beyond mastering photography, I highly recommend learning about wildlife and conservation. Understanding animal behavior and ecosystems enhances your images and deepens your connection with nature. Passion, patience, and perseverance—the three P’s—will carry you through challenges. Stay committed, stay curious, and let the wild guide you. The path may not always be easy, but if you stay true to your love for nature and storytelling, the rewards will be beyond what you imagined.
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