Wildlife / Animals nominee

This year, I set out to capture the elusive Indian Flying Fox using a planned approach that blends wildlife behavior with visual storytelling. My vision was to frame a bat emerging from behind a tree, using branches as a natural foreground—executed through a panning technique to convey motion.

Technically, it was one of my toughest challenges. I experimented with lenses and shutter speeds, battling focus issues and fast, unpredictable flight. After days in the field and thousands of frames, only a few images stood out.

This backlit shot is especially meaningful. It captures the mystery and elegance of the flying fox in motion, reflecting not just a moment—but a journey of vision, persistence, and patience.

I am Vinod Patil, fondly known as Baiju, and for the past three decades I have dedicated my life to
exploring forests, documenting wildlife, and using my camera as a tool for conservation. Nature has
always been my true home—the call of birds, the silence of the jungle, and the raw beauty of wild
landscapes fuel my passion every day. My journey has been blessed with many honours. I am the only
photographer to have won the Sanctuary Asia Wildlife Photographer of the Year title three times. In
2018, I received the DJ Memorial International Award, and my tiger photographs were later exhibited
at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Representing India at the FIAP World Cup in Serbia (2017) and
winning the Gold Medal was one of my proudest moments. In 2015, the UK recognised me as the
International Garden Photographer of the Year. To date, I have received more than 32 national and
international awards, including recognition from National Geographic, Europe, the UK, and Australia.
In 2010, I published my coffee-table book “Wildscapes”, which was launched by the Governor of
Maharashtra in the presence of Shri Mukesh Ambani. Beyond awards, I take pride in mentoring young
photographers, training them