Rathika Ramasamy
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The Journey of Rathika Ramasamy: From Hobbyist to Wildlife Photography Icon
Rathika Ramasamy’s love for photography started with a simple point-and-shoot camera, a gift from her father during her school holidays. She didn’t initially envision this hobby becoming her life’s calling. However, during frequent family travels – her father was in the army – she grew increasingly fascinated by the power of photography to capture and preserve memories. It was during one such trip that the young Rathika saw people taking pictures outside a studio setting for the first time. This left a lasting impression and inspired her curiosity about the world of photography.
Through her school and college years, Rathika’s camera became her constant companion. During her college education in Chennai, she photographed architecture, sightseeing spots, and temples, all while continuing to study Computer Engineering and later, completing an MBA. Yet, photography never left her heart.
The pivotal moment in Rathika’s journey came in 2003 when she visited the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary with her first digital camera. She felt an intense connection with the birds, and this new interest quickly grew into a passion for wildlife photography. From that point on, there was no turning back. Rathika invested in a large lens specifically for wildlife photography, allowing her to focus on capturing the vibrant life of birds and mammals. She specialized in photographing animals like elephants and big cats, exploring wildlife in India and Africa.
What makes her work so engaging is its unpredictability. “Anything can happen in the wild” Rathika says. “You have to be prepared for the unexpected”. After more than 21 years of exploring the wild, she still finds every day to be a new experience that forges a magical bond with nature – a bond that only someone so closely attuned to wildlife can truly appreciate.
Keys to Success: Respect, Quality, and Self-Promotion
Rathika’s approach to her craft is rooted in a deep respect for her subjects. For her, photography is not just about capturing a moment; it’s about capturing the essence, emotions, and behaviours of the wildlife she observes. Her focus is on storytelling – each photograph is an opportunity to narrate the unique life of the animals she encounters. “I always look for a story in their actions” she shares, emphasizing how empathy plays a key role in her process.
Her commitment to quality is another cornerstone of her success. Rathika continuously hones her technical knowledge and field skills, ensuring that she stays ahead of industry trends. But it’s not just the photography itself that has contributed to her achievements – self-promotion has been an equally important part of her journey. Early on, Rathika realized the importance of sharing her work online and building a brand. Photography forums, social media platforms, and her personal website have all been crucial tools in showcasing her talent and growing her audience.
Milestones Along the Way
Rathika’s career is marked by several milestones that have shaped her journey and reinforced her commitment to wildlife conservation. A significant turning point came with the Clean Ganga Campaign, a week-long project that required her to photograph life along the Ganges. This experience, which culminated in an exhibition at the India Habitat Centre, shifted her perspective on the role of photography in conservation efforts. She realized that her images could be used not only to capture beauty but also to advocate for the preservation of wildlife.
Another significant opportunity arose in 2007 when Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) invited Rathika to photograph birds on their campus for their annual calendar. Though more accustomed to capturing wildlife in national parks, she took on the challenge of photographing urban wildlife. Within a month, she documented over 150 species of birds on the university grounds, demonstrating her versatility as a photographer. This project underscored a key realization: wildlife photography isn’t limited to sanctuaries or remote wildernesses; it can happen anywhere, even in the heart of a bustling city.
Over the years, Rathika has conducted more than 150 workshops and delivered numerous conservation talks, reaching a wide audience, including schoolchildren and university students. She has published two books – “Bird Photography” and “The Best of Wildlife Moments” – and her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the NPS (Nikon Professional Services) Membership, the Inspiring Icon Award, and international acclaim as one of the best-known women photographers.
Traits that Define Success
Rathika’s success can be traced back to three core traits:
- Passion for Wildlife: A deep, abiding love for birds and nature has driven her throughout her career.
- Patience: Wildlife photography requires long hours of waiting – sometimes without a single photo opportunity. Rathika’s ability to wait in the wild for hours, knowing that the perfect shot could come at any moment, has been crucial to her success.
- Resilience: The physical demands of wildlife photography – carrying heavy equipment through harsh environments – require both physical and mental resilience. Rathika’s ability to persevere, even in tough conditions, is a testament to her dedication.
Challenges in Wildlife Photography
Wildlife photography is not an easy career path. It demands not only physical stamina but also mental strength. Carrying over 10 kg of gear through dense forests, remote locations, and extreme weather conditions is physically taxing. For Rathika, the financial challenges posed another significant hurdle. Unlike more commercial genres like fashion or wedding photography, wildlife photography is less lucrative. Yet, despite these obstacles, Rathika’s passion for birds and the natural world has kept her moving forward.
Advice for Aspiring Wildlife Photographers
For those who aspire to follow in her footsteps, Rathika’s advice is clear: spend time in the field. There’s no substitute for real-world experience when it comes to understanding animal behaviour and capturing the essence of wildlife. She stresses the importance of investing in good equipment and creating a strong portfolio that reflects high-quality, unique work.
But more than anything, she emphasizes the importance of following the ethics of wildlife photography. Respecting the animals and their habitats is crucial, and without that respect, success in the field will always be incomplete.
Rathika Ramasamy’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and respect for the natural world. From photographing birds in her native India to capturing the majestic big cats of Africa, Rathika’s work speaks to the soul of nature. For aspiring photographers, her message is simple: “Love what you do, be patient, and respect the wild.” These values have brought her to the pinnacle of her career, and they continue to inspire future generations of photographers.
