What began as a curious visit to Sewri Mudflats in Mumbai in 2012 to observe flamingos quickly turned into a lifelong fascination and with nature, and my love for photography gradually evolved into something far more profound. Through countless hours spent observing wildlife, waiting patiently for the perfect light, and witnessing nature’s extraordinary rhythms, I realized: we are not separate from nature-we are a part of it. The privilege of documenting these moments has transformed not only how I photograph the world, but how I understand my place within it.
This is my small attempt to show Mother Nature in all its glory and beauty, and one book will never be able to do justice to the sheer richness and abundance we have on our planet, I would try to cover more species and genres over coming years.
Along this journey, there have been many “Eureka” moments for me. Time spent in the wild has helped me see challenges differently, uncover new ideas, and find direction during important crossroads in both my personal and professional life. Many of my most meaningful insights were born not in meeting rooms or behind a desk, but while sitting quietly in nature, waiting and observing.
There were encounters that left me speechless. A fleeting glance exchanged with a wild animal. A sunrise that transformed an ordinary landscape into something magical. A rare behaviour witnessed for only a few seconds yet remembered for a lifetime. These were my moments of revelation-small epiphanies that deepened my understanding of how intricately connected all life truly is and , every creature, landscape, and ecosystems ecosystem is connected in ways both visible and unseen.
If this book inspires even a small sense of wonder, sparks a deeper appreciation for wildlife, or encourages a commitment to protecting our planet, then it will have fulfilled its purpose, and my hope is that these images allow you to experience the same sense of excitement and curiosity that I felt when I pressed the shutter.
I would like to thank Krithika Manikantan for the colossal effort putting this book together in a very short span of time, working tirelessly through countless iterations, adjustments, to deliver this under very tight timelines, Suketu Mehta from Metha Graphics for guidance, expertise, and unwavering attention to detail, you patiently helped refine every element until it felt just right. Your commitment to quality and craftsmanship is reflected on every page of this book.
To my family my wife Mansi, Kids Ira and Avi, my Partners at work Bhowmik Shah, Gopakumar Panicker, Jeet Gandhi, Hitanshu Rathod, and entire team and colleagues, I owe my deepest thanks. Your unwavering support, patience, and belief in my passion made this journey possible, countless hours spent away from home and office pursuing my passion. This book is as much yours as it is mine.
The wild has given me far more than photographs, it has given me perspective, purpose, and endless wonder. It is my privilege to share a small part of that journey with you.
– Krishnakant Mathuria
