From the cockpit to the canopy, Vivek Singh’s journey is a remarkable flight across two worlds— the disciplined skies of the Indian Air Force and the wild, untamed beauty of nature. What began with a simple point-and-shoot camera as a child transformed into a lifelong passion for wildlife photography, nurtured through unforgettable moments at airbases, jungles, and mountaintops. With an eye trained by aerial precision and a heart attuned to the wilderness’s silent rhythms, Vivek captures stories that resonate far beyond a frame. His work, celebrated by institutions like National Geographic, reflects a life devoted to patience, wonder, and purposeful storytelling.
By Vedika Singh
SECTION 1: Origins & Journey
What inspired your journey into photography?
My fascination with photography dates back to childhood, when I owned a simple point-and-shoot called the “Hot Shot.” But it wasn’t until 2010, during a posting to the serene airbase at Naliya in Gujarat, that I truly immersed myself in the craft. The sunsets there were otherworldly-the skies would transform into an ever-changing canvas of color. That beauty pulled me in. Later, during my tenure in Agra, I met a photographer I deeply admire, Mr. Lalit Rajora. A trip with him to Bandhavgarh ignited something profound in me-wildlife photography became an obsession. While my Air Force career was fulfilling, the constraints on time and movement limited my pursuit of photography. Eventually, I chose premature retirement to fully devote myself to life in the wild.
How has your experience with aerial photography shaped your wildlife work?
Aerial photography instilled in me a unique skill set. Capturing a moving aircraft from another moving aircraft demands immense steadiness and precision. That discipline directly translates to wildlife photography-especially while photographing birds in flight. I can handhold my 500mm lens with ease and stability, even for extended periods. That control, developed in the cockpit, became an asset on the ground.
What draws you to the wild?
The jungle has a magnetic pull. It’s not just the wildlife-it’s the silence, the anticipation, the sheer unpredictability of nature. You notice the wind’s whisper, the fall of a single leaf, the alarm calls of distant langurs. It’s a world so distinct from the city’s chaos. That stillness, and the thrill of tracking wildlife, convinced me this was not just a hobby-it was my calling.
SECTION 2: The Art and the Eye
How do you prepare for a wildlife shoot?
Preparation begins with research. I study the fauna specific to the destination, speak to photographers who’ve been there, and understand the behavior patterns of key species. Once I know what to expect, I carefully choose my gear. Each shoot is a mix of planning and readiness for the unpredictable-because nature always has surprises.
What makes a wildlife photograph truly compelling for you?
I look for compelling light, behavioral nuances, action sequences-anything that can tell a story. While a perfect shot is often a result of several elements aligning, you must stay alert. Nature doesn’t wait, and the difference between a good shot and a great one is often just a matter of seconds.
How do you stay focused in unpredictable environments?
My time in the Armed Forces ingrained in me a deep reservoir of patience and discipline. I can sit still for hours, waiting for that one moment. In the wild, conditions can be harsh and unpredictable, but staying focused is second nature. Creativity doesn’t wane-it just shifts with the light and the landscape.
SECTION 3: Gear and Technique
How has your gear evolved with your craft?
I’ve been loyal to Canon for over 14 years. With every upgrade, the tools evolve-but only when your foundation is strong can you truly harness the gear’s potential. An advanced camera won’t make you a better photographer unless you’ve mastered the basics. It’s like driving a Ferrari-you need the skill to handle that power.
What’s your current go-to setup?
The Canon EOS R3 paired with the Canon 300mm IS II f/2.8 lens. The R3 is a marvel-it feels intuitive, like it’s built around your instincts. And the 300mm f/2.8? Incredibly sharp, fast, and fantastic in low light. For wildlife, that responsiveness is critical.
Any advice for budding photographers about gear?
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came from my friend and phenomenal photographer, Mr. Pushpdeep Pandey. He told me: Don’t upgrade your gear until it begins to limit your vision. Learn your equipment so well that it becomes an extension of your body.
SECTION 4: Notable Work & Recognition
What was it like shooting for NatGeo’s ‘The Extreme Flight’?
Unforgettable. Their professionalism and attention to detail taught me a lot. The biggest challenge was operating at extreme altitudes-landing on tight helipads, crouching to avoid rotor blades, and dealing with snow glare and biting cold. Lugging gear in thin air was physically punishing.
Can you describe your experience at Siachen?
Siachen is beyond description. At those heights, even survival is a challenge-no vegetation, freezing temperatures, and constant risk of isolation. Watching the Army pitch tents on a shifting glacier is humbling. Flying there changed my perception of endurance, bravery, and the human spirit.
12. What do accolades from NatGeo, Canon India, and others mean to you?
Recognition from such institutions is validating. It assures me the journey is on the right track. But in photography, the learning never ends. Every award is a milestone, not the finish line.
SECTION 5: Philosophy & Vision
What keeps bringing you back to the wild?
It’s the stillness. The jungle has its own rhythm-silent, yet intensely alive. There’s a purity in nature that’s hard to articulate. Every trip feels like a reset.
What do you strive to capture through your lens?
I try to capture more than just a subject-I aim to tell a story. While technical skill lays the foundation, storytelling elevates a photograph. I’m still growing in that space, still learning how to see and show the story hidden in a frame.
Do you see photography as a tool for conservation?
Eventually, yes. While I’m still honing my craft, I believe powerful images can evoke empathy and respect for nature. That’s the long-term goal: to create images that matter.
SECTION 6: Personal Reflections
How has your military background shaped you as a photographer?
The Armed Forces taught me discipline, patience, and resilience-traits that serve me every day in the field.
How do you reflect on your journey so far?
With immense gratitude. I wore the blues with pride and now follow my passion with equal joy. Life has taught me to live in the moment-especially after witnessing the fragility of life during events like the Kargil war. We plan for the next decade, forgetting that even the next breath isn’t guaranteed.
Is there one image you hold closest to your heart?
A tigress clutching a deer. The deer was still alive, its eyes filled with resignation. It’s haunting. That frame isn’t just a photograph-it’s an emotion.
SECTION 7: Advice & Future
What advice would you give to someone considering a second career?
If there’s a dream you’ve parked for “someday,” the time is now. Passion doesn’t retire. There’s no better moment to start than today.
What’s next for you?
Exciting things ahead! We’re planning expeditions to Ladakh and the Masai Mara. Alongside two partners, I’ve co-founded Travelling Tripod Photography, a venture focused on wildlife expeditions and advanced photography education.
