• Sadeepa Gunawardana on the responsibility of wildlife photographers and their role in nature protection

Wildlife photography may seem like an “in the right place at the right time” pursuit, but wildlife and nature photographer Sadeepa Gunawardana points out that one must be equipped with more than just a camera. Patience, he says, is important, likening the genre of photography to meditation. However, he added that one must also act responsibly when capturing that perfect photograph, warning that irresponsible behaviour could cause irreversible harm to wildlife and the environment.

Gunawardana, co-author of the Avium coffee table book and co-founder of Wild Sri Lanka, Wild Tuskers of Sri Lanka, and Yala and Kumana Leopard Diaries, is currently the President of Wild Sri Lanka. He is a team member of Yala Leopard Identification Guide. He also has qualifications in fields like information technology (IT) and business administration, and is a qualified marketer, having obtained membership from the Chartered institute of Marketing, United Kingdom.

He has combined these academic achievements to pursue his passion for wilderness. Gunawardana described his life purpose as preserving nature and instilling in future generations the importance of acting responsibly in the wild, which he spoke about in detail in conversation with The Daily Morning.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

What drew you to photography?

Since childhood, I have visited jungles with my family, which ignited a childhood fascination towards nature. Over time, this interest evolved into a passionate pursuit, inspired by my profound adoration for nature. This affection drew me to seek more time immersed in the natural world, ultimately driving me towards wildlife and nature photography.

How did your journey as a wildlife and nature photographer begin?

In December 2012, a couple of friends and I visited the Wilpattu National Park, which reopened to the public in February 2010 following the end of the civil conflict in 2009. Initially, this was just another excursion to experience the park’s natural beauty. By that time, I had purchased my first DSLR camera and lens – a Nikon D5100 paired with a telephoto lens, the Nikon 55-300mm – specifically to capture wildlife shots during this trip.

Little did I know that this journey would be a life-turning experience. There in Wilpattu, we stumbled upon an extraordinary sight: two leopard cubs lounging together, resembling two domesticated cats. This scene left us shocked, as none of us had witnessed such an incredible moment in person or even in a photograph before. These two cubs graciously spent nearly two hours providing abundant opportunities for capturing stunning photographs.

It was this encounter that inspired me to delve into the realm of serious wildlife and nature photography.

What are some memorable moments or captures during your work as a wildlife photographer?

Throughout my 11-year odyssey in the wilderness of Sri Lanka, I’ve encountered numerous unforgettable moments. In addition to starting wildlife photography with two leopard cubs, a couple of significant encounters are as follows:

During an excursion in 2013 to what has been known as Kalawewa National Park since 2014, while exploring the area, we encountered a large herd of elephants that seemed to be agitated by our presence in their territory. As we paused our jeep to capture some images of the herd, they abruptly charged toward us, prompting us to immediately depart from the scene.

Another unforgettable moment was encountering a vast assembly of flamingos in Mannar in 2017. Prompted by a birder friend’s tip-off, my companion and I embarked on a journey to Mannar in November specifically in search of these beautiful birds. Arriving at around 4 p.m., we scoured the Vankalai Road, and to our sheer delight, spotted several flocks of flamingos gracing the water bodies alongside the road. Identifying the water hole teeming with the highest number of flamingos, we planned to return the following morning at 4 a.m. to set up our hide.

By 4.30 a.m. the next day, we had finished arranging the hide and patiently waited for the sunrise in the darkness, guided by the sounds of the numerous flamingos present. Around 6 a.m., as the first rays of sun pierced through, the flamingos emerged metres away from us. It was a pleasant surprise; unperturbed by our presence, they appeared relaxed, granting us the opportunity to capture some breath-taking photographs of these magnificent birds.

Spanning over a decade, my wildlife photography journey is brimming with countless unforgettable moments. Describing each of these moments may require considerable space.

What would you say are some of the ups and downs of this field?

As a novice, getting into wildlife photography is not easy for many due to the high cost of camera equipment and accessories. Requiring immense patience, most of the time, it can be incredibly frustrating when days pass without capturing any photo. On several occasions I had to return empty-handed after spending several nights in the jungle without a single noteworthy take.

The flip side of wildlife photography is more. There is a supportive community, with many enthusiasts eager to assist newcomers or the younger generations. A feather on the cap of wildlife photography is that upon entering the jungle, all the stress, fatigue, and worries from a busy business or schedule seem to vanish, almost magically, giving time for a rejuvenating experience.

There are several active groups such as Wild Sri Lanka (the biggest Facebook community for wildlife in Sri Lanka), Leopard Diary, and Wild Tuskers Sri Lanka dedicated to sharing knowledge within the wildlife community. As a community, we organise events such as cricket tournaments and exhibitions, and the proceeds are directed towards the conservation projects we actively engage in.

What kind of opportunities do wildlife photographers have in Sri Lanka, especially if they wish to turn a hobby into a career?

In comparison to other countries, Sri Lanka offers relatively fewer opportunities for wildlife photographers. While I’m acquainted with a handful of individuals who have built careers in wildlife photography here, their number remains notably small. However, there are online platforms where photographers can showcase their work to a global audience and earn a respectable income. Additionally, collaborating with local corporations to promote and sell photographs for use in their promotional materials is another avenue to explore.

What role do photographers play in the protection and conservation of nature?

Wildlife photographers contribute significantly to nature protection and conservation. Their engagement in the wilderness familiarises them with the dos and don’ts of these environments. Hence, they serve as the most qualified individuals to offer guidance on proper behaviour in nature, especially to those who are not frequent visitors.  

The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” holds immense truth in wildlife photography. A powerful image depicting the impact of human activity on nature can have a profound effect. Certain international competitions focus on this category specifically, showcasing how wildlife photographers can significantly contribute to nature conservation. Some photographers in Sri Lanka often share such impactful images with relevant authorities without a charge, allowing them to be used in communication channels, thereby educating numerous individuals who visit these areas.

Furthermore, certain societies and groups do conduct training and knowledge-sharing sessions for school students and safari jeep drivers residing near national parks. These sessions aim to educate them about the significance of preserving these natural wonders for future generations. Also in these programmes, participants are educated about how neglecting conservation efforts could negatively impact their livelihoods.

Are photographers in Sri Lanka aware of their responsibility?

After being in the field for two to three years, most wildlife photographers understand their responsibilities well. However, there are some rare occasions where even the most experienced photographers seem to have overlooked their responsibilities by focusing on capturing specific shots at any cost. Nonetheless, those who have spent a couple of years or more in wildlife photography typically demonstrate a strong awareness of their responsibilities and endeavour to behave responsibly.

However, this responsible behaviour is less noticeable with newcomers in wildlife photography. Their primary focus is often solely on capturing the desired image, disregarding the animal or its environment. Such behaviour can cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem.

Hence, it is the responsibility of experienced photographers to promptly advise these newcomers against such actions when they witness such instances. Whether done knowingly or unknowingly, it’s the responsibility of an ethical wildlife photographer to intervene at that moment. This intervention can reduce the frequency of such incidents taking place and in the meantime, educate newcomers about their responsibilities and appropriate behaviour in the wild.

Do you have any goals as a wildlife photographer?

In the realm of wildlife photography, I have two life goals. The first is to release my second coffee table book before the end of 2026. Our first coffee table book, Avium, was published in 2016 by myself, Milinda Wattegedara, and Raveendra Siriwadene. Our aim is to publish the second edition of Avium by 2026, commemorating its 10th anniversary since the first publication.

My second pursuit is to have my work featured in the final selection of images in a BBC wildlife photography competition. This achievement is a dream for any wildlife photographer worldwide.

Are there any places you would like to visit or photographs you would like to take?

Given my passion for birding and capturing birds in their natural habitats, I diverge from most wildlife photographers where they focus on photographing leopards and tuskers. My preferred destinations for photography would be Nilgala National Park, Horton Plains National Park, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Chundikulam Bird Sanctuary, Kanneliya Forest Reserve, Mannar, and Jaffna.

Do you have any advice for those who want to become wildlife photographers?

To newcomers, wildlife photography is a kind of meditation and a soothing experience; without patience, it’s challenging. So, when in the wild, exercise patience – the perfect moment will find you. Additionally, always show reverence for nature, and in turn, nature will safeguard you.

It’s crucial not to disrupt the animals and their environments when exploring the wild. For instance, photographing bird nests up close can have unintended consequences. Your actions are noticed by other creatures such as eagles, owls, and snakes. Once you’re done capturing the image, these animals might attack the nests to prey on the newborns. Hence, it’s advisable to refrain from photographing nests whenever feasible. While it might be just a picture for you, for them, it could cost them their lives.