Through the Lens of the Wild
A Conversation with Muthu
Moderated by Brinda
Some sessions inform. Others inspire. This one did both and more.
In a warm, interactive gathering that felt as much like a family reunion as a learning forum, wildlife photographer Muthu shared stories from the field, while Brinda guided the conversation with thoughtful questions that revealed the discipline, ethics, and heart behind his work. What emerged was not just a discussion about photography, but a meditation on patience, respect, passion, and the art of truly seeing.
The Spark: From Stories to Sanctuaries
Muthu’s fascination with nature didn’t start with a camera, but with a story.
As a young boy, he listened to his father recount the adventures of a naturalist friend named Saldana, who watched the forest from machans (elevated platforms).
- 1989: His first visit to the Madhumalai Sanctuary left an "indelible impression."
- 2007: A trip to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve solidified the family’s collective love for the wild.
- The Turning Point: In the Tadoba Tiger Reserve, while tracking a massive male tiger, his camera malfunctioned at the perfect moment. This "moment of despair" became an epiphany - he didn’t just want to observe the wild; he needed to capture it.
Lessons from the Wild: The Art of "Letting Go"
Beyond the technical skills of ISO and shutter speeds, the wilderness has been a profound teacher. Muthu shared a moving observation about Hummingbirds and their territorial battles.
Despite wings flapping at up to 80–200 times per second and the intense energy required for survival, these birds settle disputes instantly.
"After the fight, you will find these birds perched on a branch as if nothing happened. They are at peace. This is the 'catharsis of the mind' - letting go of the emotional baggage."
He encourages us to adopt this “Jaane Do” (let it go) philosophy to cleanse our minds and remain open to new ideas.
Redefining the Balance: Merge, Don't Divide
For the younger generations (G4 and G5) struggling to balance a career with a hobby, Muthu offers a counter-intuitive piece of advice: Don't divide your time; merge your worlds.
He noted that the adaptability required to trek through knee-deep water in Costa Rica or wake up at 3 a.m. in sub-zero temperatures directly translates to the resilience needed in a professional career.
Whispers of the Wild
The session concluded with a preview of his stunning coffee table book, "Whispers of the Wild," dedicated to his grandchildren, Vedant and Advait. The book is a testament to his journey from the "tiger tracks of Bandipur to the jungles of Costa Rica."
As Muthu says,
the wilderness teaches what no classroom can: that every rustle and every silence is a verse in the poetry
Meera’s Takeaways: Lessons Beyond Photography
Meera’s reflections distilled the session into life lessons that reached far beyond the lens:
- Let it go. Don’t carry grudges. Forget and forgive like the hummingbird.
- Balancing work and passion is possible. Determination allows both to thrive.
- Nothing comes easy. Talent must be matched with continuous learning.
- Keep a green bough in your heart. Stay open and hopeful - the singing bird will come.
- The camera doesn’t make the photograph. It is the eye of the beholder that transforms a moment into art.
Her words captured the emotional core of the session: growth, grace, and quiet perseverance.
Final Reflection
Guided by Brinda’s thoughtful moderation and enriched by Muthu’s wisdom, this session became more than a talk on wildlife photography.
It was a reminder that the wild teaches us how to live - with patience, humility, presence, and respect.
In the end,
We are not owners of the natural world.
We are visitors - with a choice to observe gently, learn deeply, and leave with gratitude
Stunning Photos by Muthu
