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Saptarshi Bhattacharya 

WBN Mentor • Advocate for Animal Welfare

Saptarshi Bhattacharya is a Mumbai-based wildlife photographer whose love for the wild has taken him from the dense forests of Kaziranga to the open plains of Masai Mara. Shooting since 2011, his camera has followed mammals, birds, and reptiles across India’s iconic reserves like Ranthambore, Tadoba, Pench, Bandhavgarh, and Panna and even into lesser-known jungles like Umred. Notably, he has actively participated in the machan census at Kolitmara, a non-tourism zone in Pench, Maharashtra. A senior HR professional by day, Saptarshi ensures a trip to the jungles at least once a month, driven by a belief that nature’s silence speaks volumes. His preferred gear includes a Canon 5D with a 150–600mm lens and a Samsung S25 Ultra for videography.

Saptarshi has also worked closely with local guides and drivers in these parks and has tried to help them out wherever possible - a gesture he believes is the least wildlife lovers can do for the communities that protect these spaces. Beyond the lens, he is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. Each year, he designs a wildlife calendar, selling it via his Instagram page with 100% of the proceeds donated to animal welfare NGOs, including a recent contribution to the PAL Foundation in Mumbai. Though his work has primarily appeared in local publications like the Sawaimadhaopur Patrika, his photography and conservation ethos resonate deeply within the wildlife community. An avid follower of cricket and Formula 1, he’s also a proud pet parent to a 14-year-old pug.
 
At Wild By Nature, Saptarshi brings deep field experience, ethical wildlife values, and a commitment to nurturing India’s growing community of nature photographers and conservationists.

 

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Siddartha Banerji

WBN Mentor • INW Award Winner

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Siddhartha Banerji is a passionate wildlife photographer whose lens captures not just images, but the deep, soulful rhythm of the natural world. Based in Greater Noida, Siddhartha balances his professional role as a Senior IT Consultant leading global projects in digital transformation and cloud data migration with his devotion to wildlife exploration and photography. Since 2019, he has photographed the breathtaking biodiversity of India’s rich ecosystems, from the lush terrains of Corbett and Dudhwa Tiger Reserves, to the birding paradise of Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur), and the majestic wilderness of Ranthambore and Rajaji. With an arsenal of gear including the Nikon Z8, Z7ii, and a Z400mm f/4.5, Siddhartha specializes in capturing mammals, birds, landscapes, and the unseen beauty of the wild.

His images have been recognized by respected platforms such as BBC Earth, where one of his photographs was selected among the Top 5 images of 2023, and WWF India. His work has also been featured by the INW Awards and displayed at the Prayagraj Nature & Bird Festival. A firm believer in ethical wildlife photography, Siddhartha advocates for compassionate observation over sensationalism. For him, animals are not "subjects" but sentient beings deserving respect and space. His philosophy is rooted in empathy, patience, and reverence for nature’s silent stories. Beyond photography, Siddhartha enjoys long drives on photo tours, watching creative content, and immersing himself in Hindustani classical music. He lives in Greater Noida with his wife and parents, who remain a constant source of strength and support in his creative journey.
 
As a mentor at Wild by Nature, Siddhartha is committed to guiding aspiring photographers to not only hone their craft, but to develop a deeper connection with wildlife one that honors, protects, and celebrates the wild world we belong to.

 
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Dr. Chirag Bhalu

Wildlife Photographer • Conservation Advocate

Dr. Chirag Bhalu is a Rajkot-based wildlife photographer and practicing maxillofacial prosthodontist who has been exploring and documenting the natural world since 2005. What began as a hobby soon transformed into a lifelong pursuit, with Dr. Chirag Bhalu dedicating nearly two decades to capturing the beauty, behavior, and raw essence of wildlife across India. His photographic journey has taken him through almost every major sanctuary in the country, from the dense forests of central India to the arid landscapes of Rajasthan and the vibrant habitats of Gujarat.
 
Dr. Chirag Bhalu works with Nikon & Fujifilm systems, leveraging their strengths to balance creativity with technical excellence. His keen eye for detail and ability to narrate stories through images have earned him recognition across various platforms. His photographs have been showcased in the INW Awards, Asian Photography Magazine, IDA Magazine, and prominently featured by Fujifilm India and Nikon India’s platforms, among many others.
 
Beyond creating striking visuals, Dr. Chirag Bhalu is deeply committed to mentorship and knowledge-sharing. He believes in nurturing the next generation of photographers by encouraging them to see beyond the lens, instilling in them the idea that photography is not just about pictures but about storytelling, conservation, and awareness. His prior role as a contest judge for IDA highlights his reputation for fairness, sharp observation, and the ability to evaluate both creativity and technical execution with equal balance.
 
A lifelong explorer at heart, Dr. Bhalu finds joy in trekking new terrains, uncovering untold wildlife stories, and inspiring others to see photography as a bridge between art and conservation. He balances his professional career in dentistry with his love for the wild, supported by his equally dedicated family of doctors who share his enthusiasm for nature.
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