Wings And Wild Frames: An Interview With Travel Photographer Pankaj Singh • Ripe Social

Pankaj Singh is an aviation professional with a deep-seated passion for travel, wildlife, and photography. Through his blog, he chronicles his journeys, offering readers a rich tapestry of travel tales, wildlife encounters, and photographic insights. His self-taught photography skills and decade-long escapades have culminated in a blog that resonates with fellow travelers and photography enthusiasts alike.

In an exclusive email interview with our social reporter, Tara, Pankaj delves into his inspirations, the challenges of balancing a demanding aviation career with his creative pursuits, and his vision for integrating bird-watching sessions with local naturalists into his platform. He also shares anecdotes from his travels and offers advice for aspiring photographers looking to capture the world through their lenses.

Tara: Balancing a career in aviation with your passions for travel and photography must be quite the adventure. How do you manage to integrate these diverse interests into your life?

Pankaj: In simple words, “Passion fuels both”. Aviation, though a profession, is something very close to me and I am extremely passionate about. Travel and Photography is another word for passion to me and these act like meditation and help me stay focused and keep my thoughts clear.

You’re right, it’s a constant, but incredibly rewarding, balancing act. I think the key is that ‘passion fuels both.’ Aviation, for me, isn’t just a job; it’s a deep fascination. And that same drive powers my love for travel and photography. Ultimately, it’s about finding synergy between my passions. Aviation gives me the means to explore the world, and travel and photography enrich my life in ways that make me better in my profession and a more fulfilled person.”

There’s something magical about travel photography. A single glance at an image can transport you back, allowing you to relive those incredible moments. Take this shot, for instance, captured in Devbagh. It’s an Indian Peafowl male standing tall in the rain.

Tara: Your blog connects travelers with unique accommodations like homestays and resorts. What inspired you to create this blog, and how do you select the properties featured?

Pankaj: My journey as a traveler and photographer has taken me to some truly incredible places, and I’ve always been driven to share those experiences through my blog. But, beyond just showcasing the beauty of a destination, I realized there was a need to simplify the often overwhelming process of finding the right accommodation.

What truly inspired me was the frustration I saw, and sometimes experienced myself, in finding unique, functional, and budget-friendly places to stay. I noticed many travelers, like myself, were searching for more than just a standard hotel room. They wanted authentic experiences, connections with local hosts, and a sense of place. At the same time, I saw many amazing, lesser-known hosts struggling to reach a wider audience. I wanted to build a bridge between these two groups, creating a platform that not only simplifies travel planning but also empowers local entrepreneurs.

Tara: As a self-taught photographer with a decade of experience, what advice would you give to beginners looking to capture stunning wildlife and travel photographs?

Pankaj: “One quote that fundamentally changed my approach to photography is: ‘If you want your pictures to look beautiful, you need to stand in front of beautiful things.’ It might sound simple, but it’s a game-changer.

While mastering the fundamentals, understanding your subject, and practicing patience are essential, this quote highlights a crucial aspect: the importance of seeking out compelling subjects. It’s about recognizing that even with perfect technique, capturing a truly stunning image is far more attainable when you’re immersed in beauty.

This doesn’t just mean landscapes; it’s about finding the beauty in the details, the moments, and the stories that surround you. Whether it’s the intricate patterns of a bird’s plumage, the vibrant colors of a local market, or the raw emotion in a candid portrait, ‘beautiful things’ are everywhere. This quote reminds me to be intentional in my search for these moments, to actively seek out the subjects that will truly resonate in my photographs. It’s not just about taking pictures, it’s about finding and capturing beauty.”

For example, this image captures the exquisite detail of a Purple-rumped Sunbird displaying its stunning plumage.

Tara: Integrating bird-watching sessions with local naturalists into your platform is a unique offering. Can you share a memorable bird-watching experience that left a lasting impression on you?

Pankaj: Absolutely. One bird-watching experience that truly left a lasting impression occurred during a trip to the Galibore Nature Camp. I had the privilege of working with Krishna, a camp naturalist who possessed an incredible depth of knowledge about the region’s avian life.

We were tracking a Lesser Fish Eagle, a near-threatened bird species. Our journey took us across the Cauvery River in a traditional coracle boat, following its distinct call. Finally, we spotted it. But what made the experience truly memorable wasn’t just observing the bird; it was Krishna’s remarkable ability to interpret its behavior and connect it to the broader ecosystem. He pointed out subtle signs – the bird’s calls, its interactions with other species, and the surrounding vegetation – revealing a complex and interconnected world.