A very precise and consistent artist, Yuwaraj Gurjar is a simplistic shutterbug who loves to be a part of nature through perceiving its realm with the camera lenses. He has been publishing his artwork in several magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc. With the right amount of focus and exposure towards photography, Yuwaraj has garnered many accolades for his craft. His knowledge and skills are something to learn from, know his views and techniques on how he creates art out of the nature in a simplest form.

We are glad to share the story of such passionate photographer inspiring the aspiring artists of our country.

We are really keen to know; how did your journey begin?

In 1987 I started observing birds in Yeoor. I stay in Thane city, which is on the outskirts of Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park, spread across 104 sq. km and home to many small creatures and even leopards. I have been visiting this park almost every weekend for the last 32 years and I still find something new in every visit. When I found a mating of huge Atlas moth pair there, I was hooked and then started looking for butterflies and other unusual and fascinating fauna. I started observing and photographing butterflies, ants, bugs, beetles, dragonflies, other small insects and wildflowers. Big mammals and birds get all the attention, but these tiny insects / flowers are always neglected, hence very little information is available on Indian species. So I thought to concentrate on photographing them and started writing about them. My photos won many National and International awards and were exhibited across the world. Some of my photos were published in the field guides, educational websites and magazines. Only observing and photographing nature is not my goal. I love to spread awareness and knowledge about nature and wildlife. I have written and published more than 1000 photo features in various newspapers, magazines and blogs. I have made audio and video CDs for school children on nature education and awareness.

Know me Beyond Singing

What were the hardships / hurdles you have encountered during your journey? How did you overcome them?

When I started my nature photography, especially Macro Photography, the gears were not easily available and affordability was also an issue.

What's your success mantra?

Visit again and again to any forest and do nature photography.

Success is incomplete without its share of setbacks. What advice do you give to others about handling the setbacks?

In nature and wildlife photography luck matters a lot. It is not that in every visit to forest you will get good images or the desired species will appear for shoot, so you may have to try again and again to get the best click.

Do you think Music and its learnings can be helpful in life even if one does not want to consider it as a career goal?

It surely does impact on your day to day life. It increases the concentration. It gives immense pleasure and satisfaction of creativity. It also acts as a major stress buster.

Which was "that" moment when you considered yourself as "I Am The 1"?

I always dream the frame before going to specific location / forest. If you get that exact moment on your camera then it gives me the feeling of “ I Am The 1”

Who has been the main influencers in your journey & how?

There are many influencers throughout the journey. Most of them are the nature lovers and working for conservation. Of course there many good wildlife photographers who inspire to click the best pictures.

Did you get any formal training in photography? Kindly tell us about it.

Never ever got any formal training in photography. I just learned by using my own camera and changing the settings while visiting forests again and again.

Could you reflect on the importance of systematic training in photography?

These days the digital photography techniques have so many aspects and teach new things all the time. So it is always better if your learn the techniques and then use them while creating the images. It surely will help to create good and impactful image..

What are the pre-coaching essentials e.g. right age, mindset or anything else?

I don’t think so there is a right age for learning photography or its techniques. You can learn any time even alongwith any profession.

Technology is changing the way people get trained in photography. What's your take?

Latest technology is always important in this digital era. Whether if it is photography or post processing of images. One should always learn new trends available.

What qualities must one look for in a 'Guru' for training in photography?

I always say that one can be a good photographer, but s/he might not be a good teacher. So if someone is looking for “guru” in photography then s/he must look for a good photographer who is good in teaching as well.

If you were to bring one big change in the way people get trained in photography, what would that be?

Be at your own level. No one will knows all the stuff so try to be at your level so you can have better knowledge.

What do you suggest for better accessibility of photography training in remote parts of India?

Video sessions in local languages or managing a trainer from local area can help.

Your piece of advice to parents and new generation especially when some people are skeptical about career in extra curriculum.…

Photography is a very serious hobby and it surely increases your concentration power and thinking abilities. So parents should encourage their wards to learn photography.

Any other thoughts you want to share…

Respect Nature. First do study what you are shooting or going to shoot. Do not rely on readymade settings from YouTube / social media. Do it passionately.