• A chat with wildlife photographer Ashane Marasinghe

Wildlife photography is an intricate dance that captures moments of untamed beauty and raw authenticity within nature. Sri Lanka has no shortage of natural beauty and so, our wildlife photographers stand tall, using their lenses to capture the miracles of nature. 

One such photographer is Ashane Marasinghe, who was recently recognised with the prestigious International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) Bronze medal at the XIV International Photo Salon ‘The Wild’. 

Ashane’s photography is all about capturing the delicate balance of life in its purest form. His journey into photography began as humble exploration guided by profound curiosity and has led to an unwavering passion for the untamed.

In a chat with The Sunday Morning Brunch, Ashane provided a glimpse into the inspiration behind his award-winning photograph and the profound significance of recognition in the realm of Sri Lankan photography.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

What is the FIAP competition and how did your work end up being recognised? 

The XIV International Photo Salon ‘The Wild’ was a collaborative effort with the Academy of Photography Yanka Kyurkchieva in Bulgaria. I took part in the ‘Animal in the Zoo’ category, a relatively uncommon theme in FIAP-patronised competitions. Upon discovering this category, I immediately realised the opportunity to submit my photograph, which was recognised for portraying the poignant sorrow of a confined animal to a global audience.

How are you feeling about the award? What is the importance of recognitions like this for Sri Lankan photography? 

Receiving the FIAP Bronze medal is a significant and gratifying achievement for me. While I have previously won various international awards in FIAP-patronised exhibitions, this marks my first FIAP Bronze medal. The competition was particularly challenging, with a total of 2,262 photographs submitted by 275 photographers from 45 countries. The recognition holds great importance not just personally, but also for the field of Sri Lankan photography, because it shows the competitive prowess and global impact of our creative contributions.

What was the concept/setting behind your photograph?

The photograph captures the spirit of a seven-year-old orangutan residing in the backyard of Sri Lanka’s National Zoological Gardens in Dehiwala. Despite his shy and hesitant demeanour towards people, the orangutan emanates a soul full of love. His confinement away from his kin, an outcome not of his choosing, led him to form a special bond with his initial caretaker, who unfortunately had to give up the role due to other responsibilities at the zoo.

The transition to a new caretaker initially affected the orangutan’s behaviour; he displayed signs of discomfort by refusing food and behaving awkwardly. It took some time for him to adapt to the change and find a sense of balance. When I entered his enclosure as a stranger, he mirrored his natural instincts by being wary. Gradually, he got used to my presence, becoming friendly and even displaying curiosity by interacting with the camera and reaching for my hand. He was very inquisitive about a particular watch I had, showcasing the unique and endearing nature of this remarkable creature.

The category in which you received your Bronze medal was ‘Animals in the Zoo’ Is your photo meant to portray the positive or negative side of zoos? 

The intention behind my photo is to convey the negative aspects of zoos, to point out the perspective that animals should exist freely in their natural habitats. When animals are confined within cages, they are deprived of their inherent freedom, suffering throughout their lives, and we have seen this repeatedly both locally and internationally. This portrayal shows the challenges and ethical concerns associated with keeping animals in captivity, advocating for the importance of allowing them to thrive in their natural environment.

How did you first get into photography? 

I embarked on my photography journey in 2013 when I became a part of the National Association of Photographers – Sri Lanka (NAPSL). My initial exposure to the art form began with a short course in photography, which laid the groundwork for my passion. In 2014, I delved deeper into the intricacies of photography by pursuing an advanced diploma in the field.

During the initial stages, I explored various genres to gain a holistic understanding of the art. However, as my skills evolved and my personal interests became clearer, I found my niche in nature and wildlife photography. The allure of capturing the raw beauty of the natural world and the fascinating behaviours of wildlife captivated me, encouraging me to specialise in this particular genre. This dedicated focus allowed me to hone my skills and develop a unique perspective in portraying the wonders of nature through the lens.

What is it about wildlife photography that excites you the most? 

What excites me the most is the opportunity to capture the untamed beauty and raw authenticity of the natural world. There’s a profound sense of exhilaration in immersing myself in diverse ecosystems, observing the behaviour of animals in their native habitats, and capturing those fleeting moments. Wildlife photography enables me to share the complexities of the animal kingdom with others, fostering a deeper connection between viewers and the captivating creatures that inhabit our planet.

The challenge of anticipating animal movements, understanding their habitats, and navigating the unpredictable dynamics of nature adds an element of thrill to the process. Each photograph becomes a visual narrative, telling a story about the resilience, grace, and sometimes vulnerability of these animals that we don’t always get to see. 

Beyond the technical aspects, wildlife photography allows me to contribute to conservation efforts by raising awareness about the beauty and fragility of our ecosystems. Ultimately, the excitement lies in the continuous exploration of the natural world and the privilege of freezing moments that showcase the inherent wonders of wildlife.

What are the biggest misconceptions people have about wildlife photographers?

One of the prevalent misconceptions about wildlife photographers is that their job primarily involves taking leisurely strolls through exotic locations, effortlessly capturing stunning images of animals in their natural habitats. In reality, wildlife photography is a challenging and demanding profession that requires a deep understanding of the natural world and extensive knowledge of animal behaviour, and often involves enduring harsh conditions.

Another misconception is the assumption that wildlife photographers only focus on glamorous or charismatic species, neglecting the less iconic and endangered ones. In truth, dedicated wildlife photographers strive to highlight the diversity of species, including those facing conservation challenges, to contribute to a broader understanding of biodiversity.

There’s also a misconception about the abundance of exotic travel opportunities for wildlife photographers. While some photographers may have the chance to explore remote locations, many also find incredible subjects closer to home, showcasing the beauty of local ecosystems.

As a wildlife photographer, how do you feel that photographers can contribute to conservation and build awareness around wildlife issues? 

A wildlife photographer can of course make a huge difference and contribute to conservation efforts while raising awareness about wildlife issues. They can tell stories about the beauty, challenges, and importance of wildlife. By capturing images of endangered species, habitat destruction, and other conservation challenges, photographers bring attention to critical issues. 

Many photographers collaborate with conservation organisations to amplify their impact. By partnering with experts, photographers can contribute images for educational materials, campaigns, and exhibitions that promote conservation awareness. 

Wildlife photographers often have firsthand experiences in natural environments. They advocate for responsible tourism practices that minimise negative impacts on wildlife habitats and behaviour. Through workshops, exhibitions, and online platforms, wildlife photographers can educate the public about the ecological importance of different species, ecosystems, and the need for conservation.

By combining their artistic skills with a commitment to environmental conservation, wildlife photographers have the potential to make a lasting impact on the way society perceives and values the natural world, ultimately contributing to the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity – something we desperately need at the moment.

What is your most memorable/favourite wildlife photograph out of all your work?

My most memorable and favourite wildlife photo from my portfolio is the image capturing a jungle fowl with a bat fly attached, feeding on its blood. This photograph holds a special place in my heart because of the recognition it received in the ‘BigPicture’ competition organised by the California Academy of Sciences in the US. It garnered appreciation and was subsequently featured in prestigious publications such as Geo and View magazines in Germany, as well as the National Geographic magazine in Italy.

This image is a mix of artistic vision and the fascinating details of wildlife behaviour, making it a cherished and memorable piece in my body of work.