वृक्षवल्ली आम्हां सोयरे… वनचरें।
पक्षी ही सुस्वरें आळविती।।
– संत तुकाराम महाराज
Sant Tukaram has mentioned in his above abhang that flora and fauna are an integral part of a human being’s life.
Soulful journey into the wild
The Viewfinder by acclaimed wildlife photographer Sanket Reddy is not just a coffee table book—it is a poetic tribute to the wilderness and its intimate connection with humanity. Reddy, a Bangalore-based nature enthusiast and globally recognized wildlife documentarian, brings over 17 years of field experience into this visually stunning and thoughtfully curated collection. “My form of writing has always been inspired by Mother Nature and what better way to represent nature than in a poem? It is a fact that I realised I was capable of writing only because of the emotion that was stirred within me during my time spent with nature,” Reddy confesses.
Celebrating nature
Drawing inspiration from Saint Tukaram’s spiritual philosophy that considers all of nature as kin, Reddy’s work elevates wildlife photography into a medium of empathy and reflection. The book features more than 150 high-quality photographs, neatly organized into nine thematic categories. But these categories go beyond species classification—they reflect emotions, behaviours, and ecological roles, enabling even a layperson to connect with the subject matter without needing technical expertise.
Design that speaks volumes
The visual presentation of The Viewfinder is exceptional. From the layout and design to the quality of the paper and print, everything exudes elegance. Divided into nine thematic categories, the book is thoughtfully curated to reflect more than just taxonomy. Each photograph is accompanied by symbolic markers denoting the species, location, date, and camera settings—presented in an accessible, reader-friendly format. Subtle design elements, like animal footprints or thematic icons, guide the reader intuitively through the narrative.
Reddy’s titles and captions add a creative dimension, transforming each photo into a short story. A frog’s eye becomes “A Galaxy in the Eye,” a red panda is lovingly dubbed “Master Shifu,” and a cheetah duo at dusk are described as “Brothers with Benefits.” These titles humanize the subjects without anthropomorphizing them excessively, adding charm and emotional resonance.
lit lead A Morning Saga – Deer |
Nature and humanity
The book is not confined to showcasing majestic creatures like tigers or elephants. Reddy intentionally highlights lesser-documented species and interactions, thereby enriching the diversity of representation in wildlife literature. His storytelling approach draws parallels between animal and human behavior, inviting reflection on shared instincts and the need for compassion.
For instance, he recounts observing penguins engage in conflict only to reconcile playfully—a reminder of how even simple creatures embody profound lessons in coexistence. This human-nature mirroring is a recurring theme, deepening the book’s philosophical undertone.
What’s more difficult – capturing variations of natural light or wild life? “Like I always say that almost 40 – 50% of the times, true beauty we see in person through our eyes cannot be recreated exactly in a photograph or a video. So comparatively, capturing variations of natural light sure is a bigger challenge when one is trying to recreate the exact scene witnessed,” says Reddy.
Touch of stardom & sincerity
Renowned actor and environmental advocate R. Madhavan pens the foreword, calling The Viewfinder “a love letter to the forest.” He describes each frame as a vessel of emotion, reverence, and connection—underscoring the soulfulness that permeates the book. Referring to Sanket as a visionary, Madhavan notes that the book is intricately and lovingly crafted.
Must-have for nature lovers
More than a collection of photographs, The Viewfinder is a bridge—between species, between moments, and between humanity and the Earth. It beckons readers not only to observe but to feel, to remember, and to reforge their bond with the natural world. Whether you’re a photographer, conservationist, or someone simply seeking beauty and truth in the rhythms of the wild, this book is an experience worth savoring—page by page, image by image.
Sanket Reddy |
Final verdict
The Viewfinder is not just a book, but a meditation on life through the lens of the wild. It reminds us that nature is not separate from us—it is our mirror, our teacher, and our home. “Nature is what drew me to pick up a camera and Nature has been the sole reason I am into photography. This undying need to document the wild and ways of Mother Nature has been the key inspiration for me to start photography and it continues to fuel my need to keep going despite the challenges and failures,” Reddy concludes.
