The first photographer in the world to hold a solo exhibition on elephants, Akash Das is known for his unique style which blends aesthetics with boldness. Das’s love for nature encouraged him to pick up the camera and do his bit for the environment. His groundbreaking work on wildlife won him a place in the Limca Books of World Record. He also pioneered the use of advertisements to generate awareness on social issues in India.

In an exclusive interview, the master photographer takes us through his exciting journey as a photographer and his passion for capturing wildlife.

Your work mainly focuses on creating awareness about environmental and social issues. Did these issues drive you to pick up the camera to begin with?
My selection of photographs focuses on elephants and tigers, among our most grand and sadly, most endangered species. My pictures have been referred to as ‘wildlife art’, but I’d like to emphasize that aesthetics are subservient to a larger cause here, the cause of wildlife conservation. I hope that if someone puts up one of my photographs on his wall, he’ll be reminded, every time he looks at it, of how truly beautiful nature is and how important it is that we all do something, according to our individual capacities, to help preserve it.

They [female models] are beautiful from outside and wild from inside and the elephants I photograph are all wild from outside but beautiful from inside.

We understand that you are an ardent fan of wildlife photography. How did you get hooked to his genre?
I have been exploring the jungles of Asia for over seven years now and I have to say that the photographs I make are incidental to my experience of being in the wild. Nature has changed my perspective on life and it’s the solace I find in these journeys that compels me to return, year after year.

Your solo exhibition ‘In Search of Asian Nudes’ showcased a unique blend of art and wildlife. What about these elephants caught your fancy and how was the whole experience capturing them?
Contrary to the popular belief, elephants are very sensitive, intelligent, loving and caring creatures. Apart from photographing them I have also studied their behaviour and I am fascinated by them. As a photographer’s ‘model’ they are great.

The project also got you a place in Limca Books of World records and so far you are the only photographer to earn that honour. How did it feel to be honoured with this accolade?
I am glad that my bit to create awareness about wildlife conservation did not go unnoticed.

How different is your approach when you are shooting commercial in comparison to your wildlife outings?
As a fashion photographer the women I photograph are all tall, lean and thin. They are beautiful from outside and wild from inside and the elephants I photograph are all wild from outside but beautiful from inside. I guess that’s the similarity and not difference between the two.

How much post production, if any, goes in your wildlife photography?
I just adjust the dodging, burning and contrast levels in a photograph.

My personal work only recharges me to do my commercial work better.

You have mentioned that you would like to capture the wild life across Asia. When do we get to see the images?
Right now I am showing them in Paris and Hamburg as I continue working on the project.

You were among the pioneers to shoot image ads on social issues like aids and homosexuality in an era when these subjects were a taboo. Were you ever worried about a public backlash?
I have got many threat calls and letters but that just made me have a stronger belief in my work. Worries only kill an individual.

How do you strike the right balance between your commercial projects and personal work?
My personal work only recharges me to do my commercial work better.

How many of your commercial shoots are restricted to the studio?
Only 10 to 15% of my commercial shoots are done in a studio.

The advertising industry has benefited artistically with your inputs over the years. From lifestyle to fashion; the list goes on. What would you say to a photographer looking at working with advertising agencies?
Create a ‘body of work’ which gives you immense satisfaction.

What is most important to you when it comes to your prints?
The gamut of tonal variations along with full depth is most important to me in my prints.

Photos by Akash Das | Fotosocial

	Quick7: Your Favourite Printer: Epson Stylus Pro because Epson has been the pioneer, when it comes to art prints. Their quality of ink has always yielded amazing picture quality. I get the colours, depth and saturation I want from my Epson printers, especially their Matt inks. Your Favourite Shoot: Incredible India. Your Preferred Location: Corbett tiger reserve. Favourite Photographer: Nadav Kander. Most memorable story: Jonathan Seagull. Current photographers you like: Nick Brandt. Toughest day at work: It is one that I enjoy the most.