Photography exhibition in Monaco
Two of my photographs taken last year during a monsoon herping session at Amboli in Maharashtra were exhibited during June-July in Monaco as part of the Prince Albert 2 of Monaco Environmental Photographer of the Year 2023.
Have you ever seen the rain?
This photograph of the banded gecko was taken on the first evening of my Amboli trip. That was the only session when I used my 105 mm tele macro lens in the whole trip! after entering the park area, I came across this gecko perched on the rock. I was accompanied by my friends Avilash and Apurba da. My local host was Parag who is also the co-owner of Mrugaya expeditions. The evening was dark and drizzly. The gecko and the drizzle was illuminated by two flashlights. Immediately I knew I had captured an unique portrait. The photo was able to secure 2nd position in the "into the forest" category of the PA2F environmental photographer of the year 2023.
The aura
The Malabar gliding frog is one of the most colourful frogs found in India. It is endemic to the Western Ghats. They often build slimy foamy nest near stagnant waterbodies. Their hatchlings after emerging from the egg sac dive directly into the waterbody below and thus starts their life cycle! this photograph of the Malabar gliding frog that I named 'the aura' due to the rain shimmering in the background of the frog was taken in the park area. While we were passing through the dense tree covered park area, suddenly I saw this frog sitting on a thick tree trunk. At that moment there was more than a slight drizzle coming from the heaven above. I visualised the shot and immediately pointed my camera at the frog. Luckily Parag was passing across the tree. he was on the other side of the tree trunk. He had his flashlight on. I quickly grabbed his wrist and pointed his flashlight beam behind the gliding frog. I used the small in camera flash to light up the frog. After taking this shot, I am happy that this photograph was able to wow the audience and this photograph has already won me multiple international recognitions. This photograph was shortlisted in the "into the forest" category of the PA2F environmental photographer of the year 2023. It was included in the exhibition and will also be included in this years catalogue.
