Wildlife photography captures the hearts of many, but for Bhanuka Kaluarachchi, it’s a deep passion that extends far beyond snapping stunning images.
This 22-year-old Sri Lankan photographer has taken the internet by storm with his captivating wildlife encounters, garnering millions of followers and an award from the Asian Wildlife Photography Club.
Bhanuka joins Youth Observer to discuss his awe-inspiring journey, the challenges and thrills of wildlife photography in South Asia, and the exciting projects brewing on his horizon.
Q: Congratulations on winning the Emerging Wildlife Photography Influencer Award offered by the Asian Wildlife Photography Club. What initially inspired you to pursue wildlife photography at such a young age?
31A: When I was 20, I wasn’t exactly chasing awards like this one. I actually started out taking nature walks to clear my head. On one of these trips, my dad surprised me with a camera.
Photography has always been a hobby, especially capturing animals. Seeing the work of wildlife photographers such as Prasad Hapuaarachchi and Priyantha Bandara totally blew me away. Their photos fuelled my passion for photography even more.
Social media wasn’t a big thing for me at first, but my sister convinced me to share my pictures online. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much, but my photos went viral thanks to some amazing people who followed me. Their support really pushed me to turn wildlife photography from a hobby into a career, even though some people said it wouldn’t pay the bills.
Well, here I am at 22, a full-time photographer capturing the beauty of wildlife! Winning this award is incredible, and I’m so grateful for the journey that led me here.
Q: With over a million followers on social media, your work has clearly resonated with a vast audience. What do you believe sets your photography apart and has contributed to its widespread appeal?
A: I have 4.8 million likes on TikTok and half a million followers on Instagram and TikTok. I think what makes my content popular is that I focus on making it entertaining. I’m really concerned about making sure the quality of my content is top-notch. I also spend time studying how the algorithms on social media work, so I can optimize my posts for maximum visibility. Collaborating with international companies and drawing inspiration from international photographers helps me connect with a broader audience.
Another thing that sets me apart is that I use the Fine Art category, which not many people do. Before heading out to take photos in the forest, I do my research on the animals I wish to capture and aim to capture unique behaviour. I also strive to create a unique story behind each piece of content.
Q: Wildlife photography often requires patience, dedication, and a deep understanding of animal behaviour. How do you approach capturing such intimate moments in the wild, and what challenges have you faced along the way?
A: Once, while I was in Medawachchiya, a tusker came charging towards me. It was a heart-stopping moment! We followed the tusker, but it ended up cornering us. I had to leave all my cameras behind and take refuge in a palmyrah bush until the danger passed. Another time, I was in a tank trying to capture a bird when an old man on a bicycle warned me about a lurking crocodile. I had been there for an hour already! Those were definitely some of the scariest moments I’ve faced.
I always try to anticipate an animal’s next move after studying its behaviour.
One thing I love to do is mix wildlife with astro backgrounds. It adds a magical touch to my photos. By understanding the animals and their surroundings, I can predict their movements and prepare to capture them in the most stunning way possible.
Q: Your photographs seem to convey a strong sense of connection with the natural world. Can you share any memorable encounters or experiences that have profoundly impacted your perspective as a wildlife photographer?
A: Your question touches upon something deeply personal to me: the profound connection I feel with the natural world through my photography.
For me, being immersed in nature is like tapping into an ancient intuition that lies dormant within us all. There’s a sense of calm and assurance knowing that, deep down, we still carry those primal instincts that once guided our ancestors through the wilderness. It’s as if nature unlocks a creativity within me that I never knew existed.
One memorable experience that stands out is what I like to call the “Mathematics of Wildlife.” It’s not just about pointing and shooting; there’s a certain formula to readying our cameras, a delicate balance of technique and timing that ensures we capture the perfect moment.
But beyond the technicalities, there’s a deeper aspect to my connection with nature. It’s about meditating with the natural world, allowing its rhythms and cycles to guide my perspective as a photographer.
It’s a journey of discovery, both within myself and the world around me, and one that continues to inspire me every day.
Q: As a young photographer, how do you balance the demands of college or other commitments with your passion for capturing wildlife moments? Do you have any advice for other aspiring photographers who may be juggling similar challenges?
A: Balancing college or other commitments with my passion for wildlife photography is definitely a challenge, especially while pursuing my Bachelors in Software Engineering.
But I’ve found a way to make it work by integrating my passions. I’ve started my own company that combines wildlife, nature, science, and technology. This way, even when I’m working on tech projects, I find ways to connect them with wildlife, keeping my passion alive.
Taking care of my health is also a priority for me. I meditate daily to keep my mind clear and focused. Plus, having a supportive staff who understands my passion and workload helps to reduce my stress levels.
For other aspiring photographers juggling similar challenges, my advice is to find ways to integrate your passion into your other commitments. Whether it’s through projects, hobbies, or even just finding moments to connect with nature, stay true to what you love and find balance in your life.
Q: Social media has become a powerful platform for sharing photography and connecting with fellow enthusiasts. How has your online presence influenced your growth as a photographer, and what strategies do you employ to engage with your audience effectively?
A: Social media has been absolutely instrumental in my growth as a photographer. In fact, everything I do is online, and my online presence is essentially my pathway to growth. I solely rely on social media platforms to showcase my work and connect with fellow photography enthusiasts.
To engage with my audience effectively, I make sure to regularly post high-quality content that showcases my unique perspective and style. I also interact with my followers by responding to comments, asking for their opinions, and initiating conversations about wildlife photography.
I also utilize social media features like stories, live streams, and polls to keep my audience engaged and interested in my work. By staying active and responsive on social media, I’ve been able to foster a strong community of supporters who share my passion for wildlife photography.
Q: South Asia is incredibly diverse in terms of its ecosystems and wildlife. Which locations within the region have you found most captivating for photography, and are there any particular species you’re drawn to capturing?
A: South Asia is a treasure trove of diverse ecosystems and wildlife, each offering its own unique charm for photography. While some photographers may prefer the controlled environments of national parks, I find the raw beauty of real forests to be most captivating. Places such as Girithale, Nallathanni, Algama, Medawachchiya, Buundala, and Minneriya are where I feel most at home.
In my quest to capture the essence of South Asia’s wildlife, I’ve found myself drawn to certain species that embody the spirit of the region. One such creature is the fast-moving bee eater, known for its vibrant colours and elusive nature.
But perhaps my most ambitious goal yet is to photograph the elusive black leopard. With only a handful of sightings reported, tracking down these majestic felines requires patience, dedication, and a deep understanding of their behaviour. It’s a pursuit that fuels my passion for wildlife photography and drives me to explore the wildest corners of South Asia in search of that perfect shot.
Q: Technology has significantly evolved in recent years, offering new tools and techniques for wildlife photographers. Are there any innovative technologies or gear that you’ve found particularly beneficial in enhancing your photography workflow?
A: In recent years, technology has advanced in leaps and bounds, providing wildlife photographers such as myself with a plethora of new tools and techniques to enhance our craft. One such tool that I’ve found incredibly beneficial is the supertelephoto lens, which allows me to capture crisp and detailed shots of distant wildlife.
Alongside high-end devices, I’ve also embraced the power of creativity in photography. While the gear we use is important, I believe that true creativity shines through in the editing process. I dedicate considerable time and attention to post-processing my images, ensuring they convey the emotions and essence of the moment captured.
I also make use of tracking cameras to monitor wildlife movements and behaviour, helping me anticipate the perfect shot. However, amid all these technological advancements, I never overlook the importance of my own senses – my eyes and ears remain my most powerful tools in the field. It’s the combination of cutting-edge technology and innate intuition that allows me to capture truly captivating moments in the wild. One tip – Technology is never beyond your creativity.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals as a wildlife photographer? Are there any specific projects or destinations you’re eager to explore in the future?
A: As a wildlife photographer, my aspirations extend beyond capturing stunning images of nature’s wonders. Looking ahead, I have several goals in mind that involve blending my passion for photography with other interests and ventures.
Firstly, I aspire to launch a nature-related clothing brand, showcasing the beauty of the natural world through sustainable and eco-friendly apparel. I’m also delving into robotics projects as a means of stress relief, exploring the intersection between technology and nature.
In line with my love for greenery, I’m eager to delve into bonsai plantations, nurturing miniature trees as a form of artistic expression and connection with the natural world.
On the digital front, I’m working on creating a Learning Management System (LMS) tailored for wildlife enthusiasts, where users can generate income by sharing wildlife content and knowledge.
I’m passionate about sharing my expertise with others through workshop series, where I teach photography skills and the art of capturing the perfect shot.
For me, photography is not just about snapping pictures; it’s a form of meditation, transporting me to another world filled with the sights and sounds of nature.
Through my work, I aim to inspire others to appreciate the marvels of the natural world and find their own moments of tranquility amid the chaos of everyday life.
