Trapped Between Worlds by Supun Dilshan – Winner, Photographer of the Year – Portfolio
Credit Supun Dilshan
Trapped Between Worlds
In our two-part series on the Nature inFocus Photography competition, which celebrates photographers capturing unique moments in natural history and pressing conservation issues, we continue to showcase various artists. This year’s Photographer of the Year Portfolio was granted to Supun Dilshan for “Trapped Between Worlds,” a compelling visual story that emphasizes the challenges faced by Sri Lankan elephants as they fight for survival in environments significantly altered by human activities.
As Sri Lanka’s wild elephants lose their habitats, can they survive in a human-dominated landscape?
Trapped Between Worlds by Supun Dilshan – Winner, Photographer of the Year – Portfolio
Credit Supun Dilshan
Symmetry by Lukasz Gwizdziel – Special Mention, Animal Portraits
Credit Lukasz Gwizdziel
For years, a quiet pool has been the setting for countless bird encounters. One autumn, a photographer dedicated weeks to observing cranes, approaching only under the cover of night to avoid disturbance. On a morning when the forecast promised perfection, the rising sun remained hidden, its light diffused by mist. The cranes, enveloped in this ethereal glow, stood in perfect harmony against the backdrop. Location: Northern Poland.
An Unlikely Refuge by Chaitanya Rawat – Runner-up, Ramki Sreenivasan Conservation Photography Award
Credit Chaitanya Rawat
The President of Wildlife Conservation Trust, Anish Andheria stated, “It’s heartbreaking to see development at loggerheads with the places these wild animals call home. Their habitat is already shrinking at an alarming rate due to multiple anthropogenic factors. But with the rise of linear infrastructure, especially in regions like India and Sri Lanka, we’re only going to see more of these come up. This is one of the greatest threats to wildlife today.”
A leopard peers out from behind a window frame in an abandoned building in Jaipur. While a testament to its adaptability, this scene also underscores the loss of natural habitats. As forests shrink, leopards venture into human settlements, increasing the risk of conflict between humans and wildlife. Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan.
An Ancient Sculpture by Udhaya Sankar Alias Vinith M – Special Mention, Wildscape & Animals in Their Habitat
Credit Udhaya Sankar Alias Vinith M
“Most of the time, I go for a walk near the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai to do street photography. That night, I spotted something large with white feathers crossing from the trees to this majestic gopuram. On that day, I forgot to set up my camera, but eventually ran to the spot while setting it up and captured this beautiful creature standing like an ancient sculpture.” Location: Madurai.
Desert Duel by Pradyut Kumar Das – Special Mention, Animal Behaviour. In the arid expanse of Rajasthan, two spiny-tailed lizards engage in a battle of strength and strategy. Location: Tal Chhapar, Rajasthan.
Credit Pradyut Kumar Das
The Final Act by Anirudh Laxmipathy – Special Mention, Animal Behaviour. Kuwani, the legendary tigress of Kolsa, still reigns at 14. A wild boar strays too close, unaware of the danger nearby. In a flash, she launches forward, muscles tensed, claws unsheathed. The jungle falls silent as she makes her move. Location: Kolsa, Tadoba.
Credit by Supun Dilshan
The winners this year were chosen by a 6-member jury composed of wildlife photographer Dhritiman Mukherjee, President, Wildlife Conservation Trust, Anish Andheria, filmmaker & TV presenter, Malaika Vaz, wildlife biologist Nandini Velho and wildlife photographer Shivang Mehta. The jury and awards are curated by Nature inFocus co-founder, Kalyan Varma.
Life in B&W by Satish H – Special Mention, Animal Portraits
Credit Satish H
Mantises are usually active hunters, seen on grasslands or perched on twigs. This one, however, remained still on a palm leaf, resembling a quiet prayer. The palm’s natural lines framed the scene beautifully, making for a striking composition against the sky. Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Winter is ‘Hare’ by Arkaprava Ghosh – Special Mention, Wildscape & Animals in Their Habitat
Credit Arkaprava Ghosh
At 14,000 feet in Spiti, the woolly hare blends seamlessly into its snow-covered surroundings. Camouflaged beneath a rock, it rests in the extreme cold, perfectly adapted to its high-altitude home. Location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
Drifting Through Disaster by Sathiyaseelan Subramanian – Special Mention, Ramki Sreenivasan Conservation Photography Award
Credit Sathiyaseelan Subramanian
A boat glides through oil-streaked waters in Ennore Creek, days after Cyclone Michaung. The spill, a toxic aftermath, stains the water and threatens marine life, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Location: Chennai, India.
A Bangalore-based media and production house dedicated to narrating stories that celebrate and champion nature. Founded by Rohit Varma and Kalyan Varma in 2014, Nature InFocus has built an inclusive community of wildlife photographers, filmmakers, conservationists, and nature and travel enthusiasts.
