Meet Bhasmang Mehta! A wildlife photographer from Ahmedabad, India who has also created a successful business called 'Wildlife Soujourns' where he and his wife 'Zan' operate wildlife tours in India and South America.
Bhasmang shares his wisdom on getting started as a wildlife photographer and the steps to building a business around this passion.
5 Tips to Capture Better Wildlife Photography
1. Wake Up Early:
Be geared up and ready to shoot by 6 am. You'll get warmer images, and the animals are most active during this time - allowing you to capture the most interactive photos.
2. Have a Good Driver:
That knowledge has to be there in a driver such as the importance of where to stop, how to park the vehicle, if there is a ditch on the road, how to get the vehicle eye level to the tiger, so that you get the maximum chances of capturing the shot.
3. Watch out for Signs of Boredom or Aggravation (Staying Safe):
Most of the animals have grown up around people and are accustomed to us being around. However, watch out for signs of boredom or aggravation, they will give subtle signs and when they do - never cross that line or the animal will act in self defense. This brings us to the next point...
4. Having a Good Naturalist with you:
They have studied the environment of wildlife and are able to best observe and dictate the movements and tendencies of the big game.
5. Don't let your camera sit idle:
Approach every moment as an opportunity, even if you do not have the big game wildlife near you don't let that stop you- when you see a bird outside, grab your camera and take advantage of that moment.
* Try keeping bird feeders and water in your backyard to attract them (it's also nice to treat them!)
How to Start a Business as a (Wildlife) Photographer
1. Get Your Finances in Order
Bhashmang worked for 7 years, balancing his family business and his passion. That 7 years gave him the time to build his finances and develop his skills as a wildlife photographer. By the time he made the decision to leave the business and pursue his passion he had set himself up to survive for several years with very low income (if needed).
This is something Bhashmang shares with young photographers today - it's not a race and money is not always instantaneous so take the time to get in the right headspace and develop your skills.
2. Leverage Social Media (It's a Free Resource!!)
This a place to build your network - you'll find immense support in the wildlife sector! Also, make sure to post regularly - you want to give your audience a reason to come back to your profile which will ultimately help you to build that trust that you need to be successful at your business.
3. Be confident in your choice to pursue photography as a career
This one is more of an emotional tip. But for Bhasmang, who is from India - there is a social system that places emphasis or importance on certain careers and photography is not traditionally seen as a 'respected' profession. So for Bhasmang the decision to leave pharmaceuticals was a tough one, but eventually there comes a moment where you either make the leap ... or you don't. So leap!
See more of Bhasmang Mehta's story and advice for being a business owner and wildlife photographer below, and make sure to check out his social media @bhasmangmehta
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