IN the heart of every wilderness lies a tapestry of stories waiting to be told, whispered by the rustle of leaves and the call of distant creatures. For nature, wildlife and conservation photographer, Sanjitpaal Singh, whose moniker is "Rockstar Photographer", the journey into these untamed realms is a lifelong pursuit of connection and understanding.
Through his lens, the soft-spoken, soon-to-be father captures moments of raw beauty and fleeting encounters with the inhabitants of the wild, weaving a narrative that transcends the boundaries of human existence.
WILD WITS: SANJITPAAL SINGH
Question: If you could photograph any real, fictional or mythical creature, what would it be and why?
Answer: This question delves into a rather sensitive realm for me, as I harbour a desire to photograph the ultimate celebrity (and it's everyone's greatest celebrity too, no doubt), God! Ohh, creature? Hmmm, okay. How about Bigfoot?
It's remarkable, isn't it? In this age of advanced technology, with cameras boasting lightning-fast shutter speeds, night vision capabilities and sophisticated AI algorithms, Bigfoot remains elusive, evading even the most cutting-edge equipment.
Question: What's the most unexpected encounter you've had while on a photography expedition?
Answer: One day, while hiking through the wilderness, we unexpectedly encountered a cobra. Initially unaware that it was a spitting cobra, the situation became tense as it reared up in front of us. Fortunately, our reliance on experienced guides proved invaluable, as one swiftly grabbed a twig and created a distraction, allowing us to safely navigate past the serpent.
In another memorable incident, I found myself in a precarious situation as an orangutan, having just given birth, roamed nearby with a protective male companion. Trapped in a narrow passage, with walls on either side and a cliff to my right, I had no choice but to wait patiently for them to pass. Amidst their vocal protests and territorial displays, I remained still, understanding their right to traverse their familiar path. Eventually, after ensuring my belongings were secure, I cautiously retreated, granting them the space they needed to continue on their way.
These encounters serve as powerful reminders of the delicate balance between human presence and wildlife, emphasising the importance of mutual respect and understanding in the natural world.
Question: If you could swap lives with any animal for a day, which one would it be and what would you hope to experience?
Answer: There's so much to see and so much to cover — air, land, water… Perhaps I would swap with a bird so I can cover what's in the air and what's also on land. A terrestrial bird would be good. Now I'm thinking maybe I'm just too greedy. If I were a worm then I could just stay in bed for longer hours!
Jokes aside, I'm very curious about what happens in the ground as well because everything is absorbed by the trees. If I were to be an animal for a day, maybe I'll go back to the bird and then just chat with the worm to hear its story!
Question: If you were organising a dinner party and could invite three animals, which ones would make your guest list?
Answer: I'd invite the Helmeted hornbill, for sure. Maybe an elephant, and a crocodile. I mean, we need representatives from every state! It would be a very interesting chat. And I'd love to capture a portrait of the three of them playing poker!
Question: If you were granted the ability to communicate with animals for a day, what would be the first question you'd ask them?
Answer: I do spend long periods in the forest and I do communicate with the animals, at least intuitively I feel I do. I wouldn't ask them questions; more that I'd love to hear their stories — of times before when there were more forests, when it was harder for humans to see wildlife because the forest was so dense and they were happy in there. I'd ask them for permission if I could be the lucky one to get first-hand stories from them.
Question: What's it really like spending days in the forest?
Answer: Being in the forest is like being at home. It's so quiet, so zen and such a holistic place. I love being away from the chaos of the city but there are times when I do enjoy the city. I'm versatile that I can adapt. Life is going to change of course, with a baby on the way. I'm always looking forward to a new adventure and yeah, now we're going to have a new wildlife in the house!
Question: When your child is old enough, what are you most looking forward to introducing him or her to?
Answer: Our first stop will undoubtedly be the beach — a vast expanse of tranquillity that I've always found solace in. There's something about the openness of the ocean that brings a sense of calmness to everything around. Eventually, as our child grows and his/her immune system strengthens, we'll venture into the depths of the forest, immersing ourselves in its wonders.
But it's the rivers that truly captivate me with their serene beauty. They're like a timeline of life, starting from high elevations, cascading down with force before gradually calming as they approach the sea.
It's a reminder that even on our toughest days, there's a tranquillity waiting for us downstream. So, as we navigate the currents of life, we'll remember that beyond the crashing waves, there's always a peaceful shore awaiting our arrival.
