Wildlife Through Young Eyes: Teen Prahalad Vikram’s Stunning Photographic Journey

Madhumitha Anandkumar

Poets, writers, artists, directors, and photographers are among the gifted individuals who interpret, capture, and convey the world around them in beautiful ways. Among them, wildlife photographers hold a special place, introducing us to the captivating world of coexisting species. They play a crucial role in helping us appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature. Now, would you believe that a 16-year-old boy has already managed to capture some of nature’s most stunning animal moments? Remarkably, he won the prestigious international Nature in Focus Photography Award for the Best Wildlife Photography in the Young Category when he was just 11 years old.

Prahalad Vikram, a 16-year-old from Coimbatore, has already travelled to over ten countries, capturing wildlife through his camera. His journey began at age seven, and by 11, he won Asia’s largest wildlife photography competition. He later received the Nature in Focus Photography Award for Best Wildlife Photography in the Young Category.

Prahalad’s passion was sparked by his father, a wildlife photographer. Frequent trips to forests worldwide inspired him to capture nature’s beauty. “Going to all these places, I got interested in capturing those moments in photo form,” he recalls. To pursue his passion, he has travelled extensively, with regular visits to the Aanamalai Tiger Reserve near his home. Prahalad has also photographed wildlife in Tanzania, Malaysia, and Far East Russia, and landscapes in Switzerland and Spain.

His impressive portfolio includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, tigers, elephants, orangutans, and more. A standout trip in 2019 to Borneo’s rainforest earned him the Nature in Focus Award with a photo of bats emerging from a cave with the moon in daylight. “Every trip is memorable,” he says, but this one remains a highlight.

Balancing academics with photography, Prahalad opted for private classes, allowing him flexibility to manage schoolwork and travel. He uses Nikon cameras with lenses from 70 mm to 400 mm to capture wildlife in different environments. Each destination brings unique challenges. In Africa, he spends full days on Jeep safaris, while in Far East Russia photography involves being on foot. In India, a mix of both, he says.

Prahalad reflects on his growth in photography since starting at age seven. Initially, he clicked pictures quickly without much thought, but over time, he learned and improved, developing a deeper understanding of creating compelling images. Wildlife photography’s unpredictability is a challenge he enjoys. “You cannot stage a moment,” he emphasizes, but experience helps him anticipate animal behavior.

Physically and mentally, Prahalad prepares for each journey. “You need to walk a lot and carry heavy equipment,” he says. Mentally, he stays resilient despite setbacks. When asked about missing shots, he says it happens often, but persistence is key. “The moment may never come back, but you have to keep trying.”

Prahalad believes age doesn’t influence photographic perspective. “There are so many perspectives, and no set way to view things.” He prefers switching between different styles—landscapes, close-ups, and portraits—to keep his work fresh. “To me, sticking to one thing is boring,” he says, emphasizing the importance of variety in his portfolio.

Wildlife photography, according to Prahalad, plays a crucial role in conservation by promoting ecotourism. “The more people visit forest destinations, the more they will start protecting those areas,” he explains. He hopes his photographs inspire people to explore nature and support conservation.

A challenge for all wildlife photographers is avoiding disturbance to animals. Prahalad stresses maintaining respectful distance and minimizing noise. “If the animal gets comfortable, it will pass by,” he says, noting that patience and respect are essential for successful wildlife photography.

Social media, in his view, has a positive impact on wildlife photography. It motivates people to travel, engage in wildlife photography, and support conservation. “It’s a great platform for promotion and inspiration,” Prahalad says.

For his dream project, he wants to photograph every ape, bear, and big cat species, continuing his passion for travel and wildlife photography. He encourages aspiring photographers to start shooting frequently. “You don’t need to go to exotic places at first. Get comfortable with the camera and build your skills gradually.”

Prahalad’s journey is a testament to passion, persistence, and growth, and through his lens, he aims to inspire others to explore, appreciate, and protect nature.

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