Taking pictures with a camera – especially of wildlife – takes a deeper meaning when you combine art with passion and cause.

We sometimes meet individuals who take their passion and turn it into their profession. But it is rarer to find people who can bind that profession with a cause which is close to their heart. Sagar Giri remembers going out into the wilderness of Chitwan National Park with his father and beholding the majesty of the avian world. After completing his education, he chose to come back home and take up photography, not just to capture these majestic creatures but also use his skills and knowledge to help create awareness for environmental conservation. We spoke with Mr. Sagar Giri to know about his love for photography and nature, his inspirations and the hardships he faced. 

Why did you choose photography? 
Growing up I loved bird watching, and growing up in Chitwan you could spend your entire day, birds watching. I used to go bird watching with my father, who is a conservationist and bird watcher. I always found it disheartening that Nepal has not been featured in shows like Discovery or National Geographic, even though we have so much potential and countless stories to tell. 
When I came back to Nepal I wanted to take up photography as a medium for capturing Nepal. Photography is a bridge for me to connect my love for the environment, and conservation.  

Did you face any difficulties while transitioning to photography?
Being a photographer is not always on our parents’ list of occupations. It was really hard for me to convince my parents that I can do something here. It was a huge challenge for me, which I took up with utmost dedication. Specially wildlife photography involves very expensive equipment, thus my first set of equipment were acquired through various loans. It was a total investment of almost five to six hundred thousand. I really struggled as wildlife photography isn’t easy. 

It’s more of a one man’s job to be honest, because of the risks involved. As the jungle is unpredictable and the patience and persistence required is immense. One session can last from an hour to days and months in the jungle. Thus, it is difficult to create a team as I don’t want anything to happen to them. 

How do you feel when people recognize  your work?
I feel really happy when people recognize my work. I was also recently awarded “Photographer of the year” which was a huge milestone for me. I held my first exhibition at NTB a few months ago, and slowly but steadily my work is being recognized in Nepal which gives me immense happiness, knowing that all my hard work, and risks have paid off. But I have a long way to go, and a lot more to capture. 

Who are your inspirations?
In terms of photography there a few wildlife photographers and YouTubers who are my inspiration. But in terms of life, my greatest inspiration is my family. 

What are your future plans? 
I began photography as a medium of conservation and to promote Nepal on a global stage. I plan to take it a step further and add the facet of videography as well. I recently updated my first wildlife video on my YouTube channel and plan to make more. I plan to create wildlife vlogs, which I am in the process of brainstorming. I also hope to put together a wildlife documentary/movie soon. In terms of exhibitions, well not in the five-year plan, I must say!