Live in the moment but immortalise it: Jerry Martin, program manager and wildlife photographer

In Part II of our coverage of NatWin’s recent wildlife photography exhibition, we feature more pictorial highlights along with insights from photographer Jerry Martin.

PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 280 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.

Bengaluru-based NatWin (‘nature wins’) promotes wildlife awareness and conservation by organising nature tours, photography exhibitions, and snare-monitoring services. See Part I of our photo essay here, along with insights from co-founder Navin Raj.

Founded in 2015, NatWin also conducts workshops in colleges and schools, offers voluntary services for forest departments, and provides mentorship support for aspiring photographers. One such mentor is Jerry Martin, who has also been a program manager at software giant Intuit for the last four years, and a photographer with NatWin for two years.

“Wildlife photography can be the ultimate passion. During the moment, it is a timeout from the rest of the world, as you are searching for the perfect shot. But you can also immortalise that moment later through your photograph,” he enthused, in a chat with YourStory.

Jerry is particularly proud of his photograph of an elephant throwing mud over itself, featured in this photo essay. He said it took him 45 minutes of patient observation till he got the perfect shot.

“Take the photo as if you were not there. Don’t leave your imprint on nature, and don’t meddle with wildlife,” he advises aspiring photographers. “Above all, practice, practice, practice,” Jerry adds. Practice includes going to neighbourhood parks, observing local birds, testing equipment, and getting inputs on angles and frames from peers and mentors.

Nature photography is not just about getting shots of the big cats, but also smaller animals, birds, and landscapes, Jerry explains. He sees himself as a generalist rather than a specialist photographer of tigers or birds.

“Becoming a full-time wildlife photographer is rewarding but extremely competitive. Otherwise, you can fund your passion through exhibition sales, coaching classes, and commercial or family shoots,” Jerry signs off, as tips for aspiring photographers.

Now what have you done today to explore your passion and find that sweet balance between work and hobby?

Got a creative photograph to share? Email us at [email protected]!

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