Every year, the Natural History Museum in London shines a spotlight on the world’s most compelling wildlife images through its prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. This year, among the finalists is an extraordinary image titled 'Wolf Pack', captured by Arvind Ramamurthy, an Indian photographer whose work tells a profound story of survival, displacement, and the delicate balance between humans and nature.
The Story Behind 'Wolf Pack'
'Wolf Pack' is not just a photograph; it’s a narrative that captures the lives of five wolves sitting on the edge of a farmland. Arvind Ramamurthy, a passionate wildlife storyteller, shared how this image highlights a critical issue: the dwindling grasslands that force wolves to move into agricultural areas, leading to inevitable human-wildlife conflict.
“With their natural habitat of grasslands depleting quickly, more and more wolves are moving into agricultural spaces,” Arvind explained. “No farmer would tolerate any crop damage caused by these wolves, and they would resort to driving them out. A couple of months after this photograph was taken, I was told that this pack was chased away by a farmer and has since disappeared from the area. Did they find a better place? Did they perish? We never know.”
In India, where only around 3,000 wolves remain, these majestic creatures are more endangered than tigers, a sobering fact that underscores the urgency of conservation.
A Journey Fueled by Passion
For Arvind, the love for wildlife began in childhood. Growing up in the nineties with limited access to information about India’s wild spaces, documentaries became a window to the natural world. “I was passionate about wildlife as a child and began sketching animals at the age of five,” Arvind recalled. “When you’re passionate about something, there’s a natural tendency to express that joy. For me, photography became that medium.”
Starting with a camera in 2012, the journey evolved from documenting wildlife to creating art with stories that resonate deeply. Today, Arvind’s work is a blend of competition entries, personal passion, and storytelling aimed at driving awareness.
Balancing a Dual Life
Despite the accolades, Arvind is not a full-time professional. As an R&D engineer by day, he balances his career with a relentless pursuit of creative expression. “In India, making a living selling pictures is challenging, especially in the age of AI and rampant plagiarism. There’s a famous saying in our community that a photographer only makes money when they sell their equipment,” he joked.
The creative process, however, remains natural and intuitive. “Observing light and geometry in nature is where it starts. Most of my pictures are wider than usual because I believe the magnanimity of the scene deserves justice.”
A Voice for the Lesser-Known
Arvind’s focus on wildlife extends beyond the usual subjects. “When we think of wildlife, it’s usually the macro fauna that gets attention. I’ve always had the same fascination for both an ant and an elephant. My aim is to lend a voice to lesser-known species and highlight the threats they face due to our unconscious actions.”
This dedication to underrepresented wildlife has set his work apart, creating a platform for awareness and conservation efforts.
What’s Next?
Recognition for 'Wolf Pack' has opened doors for greater conversations around wolf conservation. “This image has been a great conversation starter,” Arvind said. “It’s running for the People’s Choice Award, and the top five images will make it to the final set. Do vote for the wolves if you like the picture and their story.”
With a focus on creating impactful stories, Arvind hopes to continue bridging the gap between humans and wildlife, inspiring conservation through art. As he awaits the results of the public vote, one thing is clear: 'Wolf Pack' is not just a photograph; it’s a call to action.
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