The Dark Side of Wildlife Photography in India

Disclaimer: This is not to point fingers at anyone, but after witnessing certain unethical practices in the name of capturing the perfect frame, I believe these issues must be addressed.

The Evolution of Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography initially began as a medium to document regional wildlife and their habitats. Early photographers focused on capturing species' behaviors and interactions with nature. Over time, it evolved into an artistic endeavor, with stunning compositions and dramatic storytelling. Even today, wildlife photographers inadvertently aid researchers in species documentation, helping conservation efforts. However, the ethics of wildlife photography have come into question with the rise of social media and the quest for the perfect shot.

The Rise of Glamorous Wildlife Photography

With Instagram and other social media platforms experiencing exponential growth, wildlife photography has become increasingly popular, especially among young enthusiasts. While greater exposure to wildlife can be beneficial for conservation, the lack of understanding about species and their natural behavior can sometimes do more harm than good.

The Issue of Photography Without Understanding Wildlife

One of the biggest issues in wildlife photography is photographers failing to understand the species they are capturing. Many people enter the field with high-end gear but little to no knowledge of wildlife behavior, leading to disturbances in natural habitats.

Think about a safari or a wildlife trek you've been on—there's always someone who uses a flash or speaks loudly, disrupting the peace of the forest. These disruptions not only scare animals but can also alter their natural behavior, making them wary of human presence.

Prioritizing Photography Over Wildlife

Many wildlife photographers start with a genuine love for nature, but in the pursuit of visually stunning frames, they may unknowingly harm the very subjects they aim to celebrate. This is why I now prefer to travel in small groups rather than larger expeditions where some individuals might go to extreme lengths for a shot.

In my photography workshops, the first session always emphasizes ethical behavior in the field. While capturing a striking image is desirable, it's crucial to respect the subject's well-being. A truly great photograph comes from patience, observation, and understanding rather than manipulation.

For example, if you come across a green vine snake with an aggressive posture, there's a good chance it has been provoked or mishandled to create a dramatic frame.

Handling Wildlife for a Photogenic Frame

Unfortunately, some photographers manipulate wildlife to achieve the perfect shot. Here are a few unethical practices I’ve encountered:

• Picking up a snake and placing it on a visually appealing branch to create a striking image.

  
  

• Dipping geckos or crabs in water to make them appear more vibrant.

  
  

• Blocking an animal's path with safari vehicles to capture close-ups.

  
  

Though these practices may seem harmless to some, they can cause immense stress and disorientation to the animals. What’s more concerning is when amateur photographers witness these actions and assume they are acceptable. This creates a vicious cycle, normalizing harmful behaviors in the pursuit of the “perfect shot.”

The Problem with Playing Calls to Attract Birds & Amphibians

Birds and amphibians rely heavily on vocal communication for mating, territorial claims, and danger warnings. Some photographers use recorded calls to lure them out for close-up images. While this practice is widely frowned upon in South India, it remains common in North and East India, especially among bird photographers. Shockingly, even some forest guides participate in this practice to increase sighting opportunities.

Playing artificial calls can deceive animals, causing unnecessary stress and confusion. It interferes with their natural communication and can negatively impact breeding cycles. Ethical wildlife photography means capturing subjects in their true, undisturbed state—not through manipulation.

The Commercialization of “Perfect Shots”

Popular wildlife photographers often capture breathtaking images, unintentionally setting unrealistic standards for aspiring photographers. The desire to replicate these perfect shots has led to a booming industry where tour operators manipulate wildlife for staged photographs.

Consider these examples:

• The Aggressive Green Vine Snake – A naturalist was seen attempting to feed a frog to a snake to provoke an aggressive display for photographers.

  
  

• The Perfectly Perched Pit Viper – Some photographers relocate pit vipers to a clearer perch for a visually pleasing composition, even tapping their heads to elicit an aggressive stance.

  
  

• Crabs with Claws Raised – Crabs naturally raise their claws in defense when feeling threatened, yet some photographers deliberately provoke them to achieve this pose for a dramatic shot.

  
  

Why Am I Writing This Blog?

You might ask, “Can you swear that you've never unintentionally harmed a species while photographing?” The answer is no. In my early days, I used flash photography when capturing frogs and snakes, unaware of its harmful effects. Once I learned about the potential damage to their eyes, I completely stopped using flash on wildlife subjects.

This blog is not about shaming individuals but about raising awareness among new and aspiring wildlife photographers. A photograph that comes at the cost of disturbing wildlife is not a true representation of nature—it’s exploitation.

Ethical Wildlife Photography Practices

Understanding animal behavior allows you to predict their movements and capture natural moments without interference. Patience is key—blending into the environment and waiting often leads to the best shots rather than forcing a scene. Using proper equipment, such as a good telephoto lens, enables you to take close-up shots without intruding on an animal’s space. Flash photography should be avoided, as many nocturnal creatures are highly sensitive to light, and strong flashes can cause disorientation. It is essential to let wildlife exist in its natural state, resisting the urge to reposition, provoke, or alter an animal’s behavior for aesthetic purposes. Additionally, always respect local guidelines set by national parks and reserves, and avoid engaging in harmful practices encouraged by unethical tour guides.

Final Thoughts

It is time we acknowledge the darker side of wildlife photography and take responsibility for our actions. Just because someone else is doing it does not mean you should follow suit. Ethical wildlife photography requires patience, knowledge, and most importantly, respect for the subjects we aim to showcase.

Nature does not owe us a perfect frame, and sometimes, the most meaningful photographs are the ones that capture wildlife as it truly is—unfiltered, raw, and undisturbed.

If even one photographer reads this and decides to change their approach, then this blog has served its purpose. Let’s create awareness, practice ethical wildlife photography, and preserve the beauty of our natural world the right way.