Bharatpur, the revered Birder’s Paradise, was a destination I had dreamed of exploring for years. As a wildlife enthusiast, my journey began with birding in the parks of Bangalore, followed by frequent visits to Ranganathittu, and explorations in the Western Ghats. These experiences shaped my skills, leading me to Bharatpur in January 2017 with great anticipation. Little did I know that this trip would not just test my resilience but also redefine my approach to photography forever.
The plan was meticulously crafted: days filled with photographing the vibrant avian life, guided by the golden light of Bharatpur’s wetlands. The park, alive with the calls of Sarus Cranes and the graceful flight of pelicans, promised endless opportunities.
The first day was spent familiarizing ourselves with the park's habitat, observing birds through binoculars, and planning the days ahead. Equipped with my arsenal of camera gear, including two camera bodies, a super-telephoto lens, and a tripod, I was ready to capture Bharatpur in all its grandeur.
The second morning began early, with the air still holding the coolness of the night. At 5:30 a.m., we met our guide, Mr. Bablu, at the Keoladeo National Park gate. As the gates opened, the first rays of sunlight spilled into the park, promising a day of endless possibilities. We paused midway for chai, letting the warmth of the tea and the glow of the rising sun infuse the moment with calm. From there, we made our way to the temple area, where the great white pelicans put on a graceful display. It was a scene of harmony—the soft light, the serene waters, and the elegant flight of these majestic birds. But as often happens in life, plans took an unexpected turn.
The challenge
Midway through the morning, my Nikon D4 faltered—its card slot malfunctioned. With my backup D600 stepping in, I thought I had salvaged the day, only to face another setback when its shutter button gave up later. The frustration was palpable, but in hindsight, these challenges were a blessing in disguise.
Blessing in disguise
In that moment of uncertainty, I was handed a Nikon D300, a humble camera compared to my gear. This unexpected limitation became the spark for something extraordinary. Forced to let go of the pursuit of sharp, vibrant imagery, I turned my lens toward the abstract and monochrome. I began to see the world not in colors but in forms, textures, and contrasts.
Bharatpur’s wetlands, with their reflective waters and intricate play of light and shadow, became my canvas. The Sarus Cranes transformed from mere subjects to silhouettes, their graceful movements etched in high contrast. The interplay of branches and water ripples formed patterns that spoke to something deeper—emotions that color often obscures. This was no longer about documenting wildlife; it was about interpreting it.
What started as a technical hurdle turned into a creative awakening. Black-and-white photography offered a fresh lens through which I could explore the essence of my subjects. It stripped away distractions, focusing the viewer’s gaze on the drama, the stillness, and the timelessness of each scene. The abstract shots I created during this trip revealed a world I had never noticed before—a world of infinite interpretations.
As we packed up to head back to Jaipur, I looked back at the tour realizing that this was more than just a trip; it was a transformation. The challenges had pushed me to experiment, to adapt, and ultimately, to evolve. Black-and-white photography became not just a technique but a philosophy, one that continues to define my artistic journey.
Bharatpur didn’t just test my resilience; it illuminated a path I hadn’t considered before. It taught me that photography isn’t about the camera but about how we see and what we feel. Sometimes, it takes the loss of control to truly find your voice.
Check out the gallery below for some images I made. Hope you enjoyed this tale of my first Bharatpur adventure.
Comments