The Team

He is a retired Indian Air Force Officer and a self taught photographer. In the last 20 years, he has delved into multiple genres of photography. However, over the last several years, he developed special interest and expertise in landscape and Wide-field Astrophotography. His passion for shooting star trails and wide field astro-landscapes has ensured that he has travelled to the farthest corners of the country from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari and from Nagaland to Gujarat and Rajasthan in search of dark skies. He has written a couple of e-books on shooting star trails and the Milky Way.

His images have been published in magazines like Asian Photography, Smart Photography, Chiz, Bon, Hello 6E (Indigo)etc. and have also received several awards in national and international exhibitions and photo salons. He was recently awarded the Silver Medal in the World Nature Photography Awards, 2025.

Welcome to Sandeep’s world of the untamed. A storyteller, Sandeep has chosen his camera to convey the beauty of nature. Documenting India’s wildlife for decades, Sandeep’s treasure chest contains unparalleled moments from the wild and today follows his passion uninhibited. Sandeep’s work has been published widely as he holds credit to some of the finest accolades in the genre of wildlife and nature photography.

His journey into photography has evolved from a hobby into a serious pursuit, where he not only captures wildlife moments but also contributes actively to the photography community. Beyond being a photographer, Sandeep has taken on roles as a mentor, judge, and teacher, indicating his influence and expertise within the photography sphere. His extensive travel experiences to various parks in India and abroad further enrich his portfolio and knowledge base. Sandeep also holds the distinction 'Associate of The Royal Photographic Society (ARPS) which was awarded to him for his maiden attempt in March 2012.”

In his own words:

Its a hobby which grew on me over time. I used to trek a lot in my younger days and trekking through Himalayan wilderness got me close to nature. Beauty of nature is what hooked me on & I got started on my photography journey with a film camera. The jungle is full of surprises! It’s the sheer feel of the jungle and the excitement of observing natural history moments that wants you to keep going back. Wildlife Photography inspires my love for wildlife and an intense desire to protect it. 

Hymakar Valluri – A Chartered Accountant by profession, a wildlife photographer by passion, and a budding scuba diver.

Hymakar’s love for wildlife has led him on an extraordinary journey across India, capturing the country’s rich biodiversity. As his passion evolved, so did his explorations. Over the past seven years, he has traveled across all continents—except Antarctica—documenting the mesmerizing wildlife that inhabits diverse ecosystems. From the dense rainforests of the Amazon to the sweeping savannas of Africa and the icy landscapes of the Arctic, his photography is a tribute to nature’s breathtaking beauty.

Beyond his adventures, Hymakar is committed to using photography as a powerful tool for wildlife conservation. Each of his images tells a compelling story of resilience, survival, and the delicate balance of nature.

In his own words:

"My work has been recognized on global platforms, earning prestigious awards such as People’s Choice in the National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year 2017, Best 25 Wildlife Images of 2018 by National Geographic, 35 Awards, Title Winner of Better Photography, and Monochrome Awards, among others. Through my lens, I hope to inspire people to appreciate and protect the wonders of the natural world."

Urmil Jhaveri is a renowned wildlife photographer and filmmaker whose 12+ years in the field have left a powerful mark on the natural world through breathtaking visual storytelling. Inspired by his grandfather, Urmil’s journey into wildlife photography became a pursuit of artistry, conservation, and storytelling, encapsulating the beauty, complexity, and vulnerability of nature.

Specializing in photographing elusive species, Urmil is celebrated for capturing raw and candid wildlife moments, demonstrating both technical precision and an emotional bond with his subjects. His unique style, which merges technical mastery with an intense reverence for nature, is seen in his ability to capture animals in their most intimate moments. His filmmaking further expands his reach, producing dynamic visual narratives that spotlight India’s rich biodiversity and pressing conservation issues.

As a Nikon India Creator, Urmil actively shares his knowledge through events and workshops, inspiring photographers and wildlife lovers alike. His commitment to conservation shines through in every shot, proving that his work goes beyond mere artistry—it’s a mission to awaken awareness and action for wildlife protection. Urmil continues to venture into nature’s depths, Nikon camera in hand, driven by a profound respect for the wild and an unwavering dedication to preserving it.

Senaritra Dutta is a seasoned software professional with over 14 years of experience, but his true passion lies in capturing the wonders of the world through his lens. His photography journey began in 2015 as a self-taught nature photographer, evolving into a focus on travel, landscape, and astro-landscape photography. Senaritra's dedication to his craft has earned him recognition in the photography community.

Since 2019, he has been sharing his expertise through workshops, guiding over 10 photography sessions across both Indian and international landscapes. With each workshop, Senaritra aims to inspire photographers to see and capture the beauty of our world with fresh eyes, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature through their lenses.

In his own words: 

"Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to receive numerous accolades, including recognition at the Indian Photo Festival 2022, the Camerena Academy awards, the DCP Annual Award 2023, and Nisi's yearly photography contest. Since 2020, I’ve had the honor of being a brand influencer for Nisi India and Vanguard India, as well as a proud Nikon Professional Services (NPS) member with Nikon India since 2021." Senaritra continues to push the boundaries of his artistry while inspiring others to do the same.

Dipanwita Sarkar, a nature enthusiast from Onda, a quaint village near Bishnupur in Bankura District, has transformed her passion for wildlife into a self-driven journey of discovery. A BA graduate, her sharp observation skills and love for the natural world make her a standout figure in her community.

Her interests range from the avian world to small mammals like Golden Jackals, Bengal Foxes, and other species native to Onda. She spends early mornings and weekends on self-guided surveys with her photography friends, honing her ability to study animal behavior and document her findings.

Her dedication has earned her a role in the Global Exploring Nature Conservancy Foundation, where she leads the Facebook Forum and serves as a Travel Planner and Tour Leader for Exploring Nature Call of The Wild, focusing on general nature tours. Her enthusiasm for wildlife and ability to inspire others make her a valuable addition to the team.

In her own words:

My house feels like a Jurassic Park, with fascinating creatures popping up at unexpected times. I have a flair for macro subjects, where I love exploring the intricate beauty of smaller subjects. My ancestral home, over 100 years old, provides endless inspiration for my passion for nature.

Shera Kumar Gupta, born for the wilderness, resides in the picturesque Village-Baresandh, nestled within the Palamu Tiger Reserve in Latehar, Jharkhand. Growing up surrounded by the lush greenery and diverse wildlife of this region, Shera developed a profound connection to nature from an early age. He considers nature a priceless heritage, believing in the importance of preserving and cherishing it for future generations. This deep appreciation for the natural world has shaped his life and passions, making him a dedicated advocate for wildlife conservation. 

His dedication to nature and wildlife has propelled his wildlife photography to new heights. Shera’s work captures the beauty of the natural world, reflecting his deep connection and love for it.

In his own words:

In the summer of 2022, I completed a 5-day Guide Training Programme organized by the forest department of the Palamu Tiger Reserve, delivered by Mukul Mukherjee, a Wildlife Consultant from Exploring Nature.

During this programme, I learned about the evolution of life on Earth, ecosystems, biodiversity, and the floral and faunal diversity ranging from small insects to big elephants on land and blue whales in the oceans. This transformative experience reshaped my perspective on wildlife, fueling a deeper interest and commitment to preserving and documenting the natural world.

He is a renowned career strategist, business mentor, trainer and writer. Having the post graduate qualifications in the field of IT, management and psychology, Mr Singh has been an academician by profession till 2017 after which he has been keenly involved in taking motivational and subject based sessions & workshops in various academic and corporates.

He has been mentoring various start-ups and businesses for their ideation and growth. He is also helping people in nurturing their hobbies and passion. He also conducts one-to-one counselling for individual development.

Having an experience of more than 25 years, he is multi-talented person who has composed various poetry titles in Hindi & English, and is also writing crime thrillers for movies. He is a regular expert panellist on various media channels such as News India, India News, India Watch, Live Today, Zee UP, Zee Salaam, Bharat Samachar, Doordarshan and Akashvani to name a few.

He has to his credit many books on IT, management and life skills. He is associated with academic institutions as academic advisor, and conducts training workshops for students, parents and teachers. He is associated with professional bodies such as NIPM, ISTD, LMA, CSI, AKWL

Abhishek Kausik is a talented freelance designer who has recently joined the Exploring Nature team. Leveraging his extensive design expertise, Abhishek plays a pivotal role in crafting the visually captivating aesthetics of Whispering Wilds, a renowned wildlife magazine. His innovative designs, celebrated for their striking and engaging appeal, are utilized across various platforms, significantly enhancing the magazine's visual presence. Abhishek's creative flair extends beyond the magazine, as he is instrumental in producing compelling designs for all announcements and marketing materials, ensuring a cohesive and visually impactful brand presence. His ability to blend creativity with functionality has made him an invaluable asset to the team, contributing to the magazine's mission to connect readers with the beauty and essence of wildlife through stunning visuals. Abhishek’s dedication to design excellence continues to drive the magazine’s evolving visual identity and its resonance with a diverse audience. 

In his own words:

"I have expertise in photo editing using Adobe Photoshop and Canva, having worked on product photo editing for e-commerce platforms like Myntra, Flipkart, and Nykaa. I am capable of building all sorts of websites and enjoy the variety and creativity involved in website design. In graphics design, I am proficient in creating logos, flyers, banners, posters, and other graphics, and I excel in all kinds of graphic designing tasks. My skills are versatile, spanning photo editing, website design, and graphics design, and I truly enjoy tackling diverse projects."

Mukul Mukherjee is an MBA graduate from Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK, and an Electrical & Electronics Engineer from Merit IIT, Tamil Nadu. With a distinguished career as a Marketing Manager in high-profile engineering consulting, he has contributed to prestigious projects across India and abroad—an accomplishment that speaks to his expertise and dedication. Yet, despite these achievements, something was missing.

Drawn to the art and science of photography, Mukul found his true calling behind the lens. Fascinated by the physics of light, he embarked on a journey to capture the wild—preserving untamed moments as timeless memoirs. Since 2014, he has explored and documented India's diverse landscapes, from the towering Himalayas and the dense forests of Central India to the rainforests of the East, the Southern wilderness, and the coastal ecosystems of the Andaman Islands.

In his own words:

Now, a decade into the wild, I embark on a new challenge—transitioning from photography to filmmaking while mastering DSLR Trap Camera Photography using sensor and PIR technology. Through this, I aim to bring the wild to life, creating awareness and inspiring conservation. My passion for nature fuels my storytelling, giving the wilderness a voice and reinforcing my deep commitment to protecting our planet.