It's a test of your shooting mettle, it's a test of your sensitivity towards moments in the wild, it brings out your creativity - WILD CLICKS - India's Only Live Photography Contest is back with Season 9 in one of Central India’s hidden wild treasures - Panna National Park!
Date - 17th-21st May, 2024
Are you a wildlife photography enthusiast? Do you feel you can create great wildlife images? If yes, then we feel it's time to give you the recognition you always deserved! Nature Wanderers announces season 9 of
WILD CLICKS - India's Only Live Photography Contest - a contest that aims to
give photographers from across genres to showcase their skills & mettle in a unique
competition that will ensure an equal level play field for all participants.
With identical shooting conditions, on-field mentoring by India’s leading photographers and live
judgment by an eminent jury - here is your chance to showcase your skills and be crowned as the
WILD CLICKS Photographer of the Year!
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Pick up from Bharatpur station at 09:00 AM - 12:00 noon & Check in at a lodge in the outskirts of Keoladeo. After a quick briefing session over the lunch table, we head off for our first evening field session in the park. Evening masterclass on wildlife photography - understanding light, composition and photography in Bharatpur.
With packed breakfast and lunch, we head off for a morning session in Keoladeo to make best use of the morning light (or the mist / fog as per the prevalent weather situation). Throughout the day we would be planning the field sessions in consultation with the Nature Wanderers photo guide who full be keeping the light and subjects in mind in order to plan the photography schedule effectively.
Post the field trip an extensive session on digital post processing would be conducted at the lodge where your images would be reviewed as well.
Post the morning field activity and breakfast in the park, you would return to the lodge. Check out by 11am post so that you can plan your return travel and Drop at Bharatpur railway station at 12:00 noon with loads of photographic memories from Bharatpur.
For the past 8 editions, Wild Clicks has been celebrating the spirit of wildlife and nature photography in India by churning out the brightest and finest talent through the medium of this unique competition which gives you the opportunity to interact with leading edge photographers on the field and is also an avenue to showcase photographic skills to a mass audience owing to the massive reach Wild Clicks has been able to achieve because of its popularity on online and offline media.
The concept of Wild Clicks kick-started with Nature Wanderers organizing the first edition of the competition in Corbett National Park in 2010. Under the able guidance of wildlife film-maker Mike Pandey, the competition has grown in stature, participation and reputation. Every edition of Wild Clicks has seen a revamping and renovating of the format keeping the basic essence and aesthetics alive - presence of mind and ability of a photographer to perform under challenging situations.
Here is a recap of Wild Clicks since 2010:
An underlining mission of Wild Clicks has also been to promote healthy and ethical wildlife tourism in upcoming wildlife destinations of India. With this objective the 2024 edition of Wild Clicks will be held in Panna National Park in Central India.
A forest of central India which lost all its tigers due to poaching, Panna started its mammoth tiger revival project as the tigers were reintroduced in this landscape from various forests of Central India and the park scripted a major conservation success story as tigers thrived and grew from 0 to 80+ in current times. Panna tiger numbers have been growing ever since in this spectacular landscape studded with a unique combination of ancient history and natural history.
So what’s new for this edition of Wild Clicks? Photography is all about telling impactful stories and hence Story Telling is going to be the central theme of this edition of Wild Clicks. Yes, you guessed it right - no multiple themes like in the previous editions of the contest. Just one theme on the basis of which we are looking for a set of 8-10 images that showcase THE STORY OF PANNA.
ZEISS Terra® ED binoculars are robust, reliable, and easy to use. Their state-of-the-art and sleek design makes them not only light but comfortably compact. The highest optical precision and the hydrophobic multicoating guarantee brilliant images down to the very last detail, waterproof and nitrogen-filled, making them rough and ready.
From fingerprints and grains of sand to the smallest particles of dust, dirty or scratched lenses compromise picture quality. ZEISS cleaning products allow you to remove even the smallest dirt gently but effectively. They are suitable not only for camera lenses, filters and spectacle lenses but also for binoculars and LCD displays such as those on your laptop or smartphone.
From fingerprints and grains of sand to the smallest particles of dust, dirty or scratched lenses compromise picture quality. ZEISS cleaning products allow you to remove even the smallest dirt gently but effectively. They are suitable not only for camera lenses, filters and spectacle lenses but also for binoculars and LCD displays such as those on your laptop or smartphone.
Panna is just not a forest and a national park. Panna is vast landscape which is a blend and mixture of natural beauty because of her forests, wild denizens, dramatic landscapes; ancient history in the form of architectural marvels like the Khajuraho built during the Chandela Dynasty during the era of 950 to 1050; and cultural and mythological history in the form of some unique temples which remain unexplored.
Wild Clicks Season 9 - through the medium of your photographic stories - aims to unlock these 3 key elements of Panna - Nature, Culture, History - so that you can witness and tell the STORY OF PANNA through your set of 8-10 images.
Let’s take a deep dive into the locations you would be exploring during the field activities of WC Season 9
A landscape studded with extensive plateaus and gorges, Panna National Park is a dry deciduous forest in the Vidhyan Hills of northern Madhya Pradesh. A sparkling Ken river flows through this landscape with some amazing rock formations and a variety of wildlife with tigers being the apex predators along with leopards, sloth bears and diversity of ungulates. During Wild Clicks Season 9, contestants will be given the opportunity to explore the forest during day and night as well.
A UNESCO world heritage site, Khajuraho with the Vidhya range of mountains in its backdrop, is a manifestation of the essence of the philosophy of Indian aesthetics. The architectural marvels of Khajuraho represent Indo-Aryan architecture depicting Indian culture, the art of love and passion and Hindu mythology. Post the decline of the Chandela dynasty in the 13th century, the architecture was left covered under a dense cover of palm trees and from here the name Khajuraho was given as Khajur in Hindi means a date. Wild Clicks Season 9 contestants will be given the opportunity to visit the epic Khajuraho temple under the supervision of trained guides and historians.
The Prannath Temple in Panna, Madhya Pradesh, is a revered pilgrimage site known for its historical and spiritual significance. Built in the 17th century, this temple stands as a symbol of faith and devotion. It is dedicated to the deity Prannath, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, and is a focal point for followers of the Pranami sect. The architecture of the temple showcases a blend of Mughal and Rajput styles, characterized by intricately carved walls, domes, and ornate pillars. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Prannathji, attracting devotees seeking blessings, solace, and spiritual fulfillment. Beyond its religious significance, the Prannath Temple captivates visitors with its architectural splendor and serene ambiance, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Wild Clicks Season 9 contestants will be given the opportunity to visit this epic temple under the supervision of trained guides and historians.
The Baldev Ji Temple in Panna, Madhya Pradesh, is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Baldev, an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Constructed in the ancient architectural style, this temple holds historical and religious significance. Devotees flock here to seek blessings and immerse themselves in spiritual practices. The temple's serene ambiance and intricate architectural details, including ornate carvings and designs, add to its allure. Situated amidst picturesque surroundings, the Baldev Ji Temple stands as a testament to faith and attracts visitors seeking tranquility and a connection to divine spirituality. Wild Clicks Season 9 contestants will be given the opportunity to visit this epic temple under the supervision of trained guides and historians.
Contestants would report at the Registration Desk set up at Ken River Lodge. Registrations will be open from 11AM. Check-in at 12PM. Followed by Lunch.
Inauguration of Wild Clicks Season 9.
A curtain raiser of Panna National Park by Shyamendra Singh (Director, Ken River Lodge and Pugdundee Safaris) who has seen the evolution of the Panna landscape over 4 decades.
During the debriefing, the group of contestants will be divided into three groups, and a field activity would be assigned to each group.
Evening field activity
Talk on photography in the Panna landscape by Sushil Chikne, Wild Clicks Mentor who has spent years guiding and mentoring countless photographers and helped them in exploring Panna Tiger Reserve.
Dinner and overnight at Ken River Lodge
Morning field activity.
Post safari, contestants can spend time with mentors and have photographic discussions with them pertaining to their journey in the contest.
Post lunch, talk by Dr. Anish Andheria - Wildlife storytelling and conservation photography.
Evening field activity.
Post the field activity, contestants can work with mentors for their guidance.
Dinner and overnight at Ken River Lodge
The last field activity of the contest as contestants will leave for respective field locations.
Post morning field activity, contestants will be submitting their images at the Image Submission Desk created at Ken River Lodge. Image submission timelines will be communicated on Day 1 of the contest.
Panel Discussion - Evolution of a photographer: On Panel - Shivang Mehta, Sudhir Shivaram, Saurabh Desai, Dr. Anish Andheria
Prize distribution and closing ceremony of Wild Clicks Season 9.
A gala networking dinner will be arranged to celebrate Wild Clicks.
Breakfast and Check out.
Internationally acclaimed photographer and a fellow of International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), Shivang Mehta has worn many hats in his 2 decades of journey as a wildlife professional. From being a wildlife guide in Corbett National Park to starting India’s pioneering venture in wildlife photo tourism to an accomplished author of award winning books which went on become best-sellers to wildlife storytelling through the medium of his photo stories and films. Shivang is also the recipient of the ToFT Tigers award for his contribution in developing alternative wildlife tourism models by working with prominent wildlife lodges of India in locations outside the protected areas through the medium of DSLR camera trapping technology. Shivang and his team now works with the Government of India for documenting Project Cheetah - the world’s largest intercontinental translocation of a large carnivore.
As a Nature Wanderers photography guide he has led more than 1000 photo safaris across global habitats training innumerable photography aspirants in his more than 2 decades of work as a wildlife field professional.
As an Indian Forest Service officer, Dr Gobind Sagar Bhardwaj joined Indian Forest Service has served in various capacities in different forest divisions of Rajasthan including managing some of the best tiger reserves of the country, Ranthambore and Sariska Tiger Reserves. Based on his observations on tigers, he has authored a book on tigers, “Tracking Tigers in Ranthambore”.
During his tenure as the Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Jodhpur, he was one of the key architects of the Project Great Indian Bustard in Desert National Park. Based on his experience in managing Thar landscape, he has also authored a coffee table book Desert National Park: A jewel in the vibrant Thar.
He is the recipient of the State Award in 1999 for outstanding services for the State of Rajasthan. In 2011, he won the Sanctuary Wildlife Photography Award.
He was also a Wild Clicks jury during Season 4 in Pench Maharashtra.
Dr. Anish Andheria is the President of the Wildlife Conservation Trust, a not-for-profit dedicated to preserving, protecting and conserving wildlife and fighting climate change, carrying out path-breaking conservation work across India. Dr. Andheria is a member of the Maharashtra State Board of Wildlife and a member of the Steering Committee of the Madhya Pradesh Tiger Conservation Foundation.
He has been awarded the prestigious Carl Zeiss Conservation Award 2008, and is a Fellow of LEAD, an international leadership programme on environment and development across 80 countries. He is a wildlife photographer and large-carnivore specialist, having photographed some of the most remote wildlife reserves of India. Andheria has co-authored two books on Indian wildlife and contributed to several other books and publications. In his lectures and conservation work, Dr. Andheria has introduced thousands of young people to the joys of nature and the rationale for nature conservation.
He was also a jury member for Wild Clicks Season 8 in 2019 (Rann of Kutch).
Brand ambassador for Sony and one of India’s most prolific photography trainers, Sudhir Shivaram’s prowess in wildlife photography earned him the prestigious Sanctuary Asia Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2012 award. Recognized as one of the Top Ten Most Influential People in the Indian photography industry by Asian Photography Magazine from 2015 to 2018, Sudhir clinched the 'First' Most Influential honor in 2018.
The cover of National Geographic Traveller India's September 2013 issue, featuring Sudhir's captivating image, secured the National Geographic Yellow Border Award at the worldwide editorial awards in Washington D.C. in 2013.
After the initial in-service training started off as a probationer in Seoni district in 1994 which has the Pench Tiger reserve. After an optional wildlife training at WII Dehradun (PG Diploma in wildlife), was posted as Director, Satpura National Park in 1996. This was before it was notified as a Tiger Reserve.
In 1999 was transferred to Shivpuri as Director Madhav National Park. Thereafter posted as Deputy Director Pench Tiger Reserve in 2002. In 2005 was transferred to Kanha Tiger Reserve as Deputy Director. Was out of the state on deputation to the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun as Faculty (Scientist "F") for 6 years and finally in 2015 was posted as Field Director, Pench Tiger reserve.After promotion to APCCF in 2018 have been in the Forest Headquarters in Bhopal. Back in the wildlife wing since March 2022 as APCCF (Wildlife).
A nationally acclaimed Biodiversity expert, writer, trainer and a conservation activist carrying with him an extensive field experience of more than 15 years in the Indian forests. He has excellent knowledge of the fauna of the Western Ghats and especially loves reptiles. He is an adventure sports instructor for trekking, rafting, scuba diving, rock climbing and works in association with many renowned nature and adventure groups as advisor. He has published more than 8 research papers in various scientific journals on reptiles and avifauna diversity, habitat relationships, diversity analysis, behavioral ecology and conservation status of various species in the Western Ghats. He has travelled across Indian geography and is associated with DCP as Senior Advisor, Biodiversity Division.
Saurabh worked as a planning engineer at Larsen & Toubro for seven years before he quit to become a full-time photographer. He has now established his own media production house, 50mm Media Productions, and has published a coffee table book named 'Visual Poetries - Fine Art Nature Photography'. He's won numerous national and international accolades and has had his work published on platforms like SAEVUS, Sanctuary Asia, National Geographic and Better Photography. Saurabh's main forte is nature photography, and he hopes to help people fall in love with nature and thereby create a collective consciousness of conservation.
Wild Clicks Season 09 will host 50 contestants only. Registration on a first come first serve basis.
Inclusive
⦁ 4 nights of stay (triple sharing basis) at Ken River Lodge, Panna National Park.
⦁ All meals
⦁ All field activities planned for the event
Excludes
⦁ Travel to Panna
⦁ Panna to Ken River Lodge transfer
By Air - Nearest Airport is Khajuraho 25 km 30 mins Drive.
By Train - Nearest station is Khajuraho. Multiple trains available, best option is Train Number - 11842 which leaves from Delhi at 18:30 and arrives at Khajuraho 8:00
By Air - Recommended Airports Gwalior, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Jabalpur
Please Note: If you choose to travel by air, it is highly recommended that you travel a day before the event starts.
By Train - Following are the best Train options available.
Mumbai to Jhansi Train (VGLJ) Train Number (22221) - Departure from Mumbai 16:00 Arrival at Jhansi 5:00
Then a 3 hours 30 mins drive to Panna. Arriving a day early is recommended.
Mumbai to Satna Train Number (12293) - Departure 17:20 Arrival 8:50
Then a 1 hour 30 mins drive to Panna.
Recommended travel option is to fly down to Delhi/Mumbai then take trains to Jhansi, Satna, or Khajuraho. Please check travel options from Jhansi, Satna, and Khajuraho mentioned above.
Recommended travel option is to fly down to Delhi/Mumbai then take trains to Jhansi, Satna, or Khajuraho. Please check travel options from Jhansi, Satna, and Khajuraho mentioned above.
Recommended travel option is to fly down to Delhi/Mumbai then take trains to Jhansi, Satna, or Khajuraho. Please check travel options from Jhansi, Satna, and Khajuraho mentioned above.
Recommended travel option is to fly down to Delhi/Mumbai then take trains to Jhansi, Satna, or Khajuraho. Please check travel options from Jhansi, Satna, and Khajuraho mentioned above.