We feature professional wildlife photographer, safari guide, and tourism expert, Rajiv Welikala in our inaugural Shutterbug segment. Photographing wildlife since he was just 12 years old, Rajiv’s love of nature and wildlife began at a very young age during his various excursions to the wild. “My first memory in the wild is seeing Horton Plains national park. I've been exploring the wilds for all my life and that is my passion, and I'm very fortunate that my passion has become my career”. 

“What inspires me the most is just truly appreciating nature which is all around us - be it in our homes and our back gardens or the wilds of a deep, dark rainforest. Nature is something we have to live with and appreciate. Most of the time, we take it for granted. My mission in life is to share my passion and love for nature through my photography and I hope this inspires the younger generation to take up interest not just in photography, but also appreciate nature and wildlife in all its glory”. 

In this week's Snapshot, Rajiv shares his favourite images captured in the wilds of Sri Lanka and overseas over the last few years.

Serendib Scops Owls - Sinharaja

A moment forever etched in my memory. These two young chicks were perched on a branch by the roadside of a remote road bordering the rainforest. I waited hours for a special moment and it happened when one of the chicks rested its head on the others side. A very intimate and emotional moment.

Forest Eagle Owl - Wilpattu

The infamous devil bird of Sri Lanka. Very few see this rare owl in the wild. I was blessed to not only see one, but on the white sands of Wilpattu out in the open.

The Prince of Wilpattu

Spent over 4 hours with this leopard. And I waited several hours for this special moment when he looked up at me while lying down.

The Charge - Kumana National Park

When we approached this lone bull elephant, it charged across the water at us. Giving us a moment to react, I managed to capture this frightening moment without losing my nerve which is essential for a wildlife photographer.

Brothers of Eden - Kalawewa

A location so beautiful and perfectly captured in this image. The green lush land we live in and call home and the last remnants of Sri Lanka's tuskers seen together.

Wildebeest in Amboseli, Kenya

Good photography is all about light. I love photographing against the light to capture some special moments. This was a wildebeest in Amboseli, Kenya where it was galloping in the early morning across the plains. Having the eye for a special moment is the most important part of photography.

Mortal Enemies

Lions and Spotted Hyena are mortal enemies who are in constant conflict with each other. This photograph is special in that both these predators are in one frame, close to each other and completely ignoring each other. The amazing golden backlight brings out the dramatic effect of this picture.

The Golden Cat

The Masai Mara in Kenya holds some amazing lighting. In the golden hours of early morning, this cheetah came into the perfect position for me to capture this image.

The Last Mammoths of Africa

The two largest tuskers of Kenya, named Craig and Tim, both in one frame are something very rare and special. They are the last of their kind. Two giants in an ever-changing world. The genes that produce such large tusks will disappear after they are gone.

Love in Yala

A mating pair of leopards seen in Yala. A very rare and unique wildlife moment.

The Thunder God

Known as Megha, he was a legendary and elusive tusker from Wilpattu. Sadly he is no more and died due to natural causes. I love this photograph and may rate it as my favourite for the mystery that it encapsulates, from the lush green, dark habitat where the tusker is seen, and how the light is falling perfectly on the side of his face and eye.

Mud Bath

This sloth bear was having a great time bathing himself in the muddy waters of a waterhole during the height of the dry season in Yala. An almost human-like action, sloth bears are quite entertaining to quietly observe and watch. 

Photo credit: Rajiv Welikala