(September 15, 2024) When 9-year-old Shreyovi Mehta decided to go on a morning stroll with her parents in the forests of Keoladev National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, little did she know that she was about to capture one of the most stunning photos that would earn her a runner-up title at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Armed with her telephoto lens, she marched into the national park and found her perfect shot in two peahens standing opposite each other during a misty winter morning.
Shreyovi Mehta
The captivating photograph, titled In the Spotlight, got her a place in the Under 10 Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year category, organised by the Natural History Museum in London. The photo of the peahens surrounded by a tunnel of vegetation against a peachy dawn sky was selected from over 59,000 entries from 117 countries. “My heart is filled with immense joy and gratitude,” Shreyovi wrote on her Instagram. The youngster, who calls the moment unbelievable, is proud to represent Bharat on the global stage. “India’s rich wildlife and heritage has been a source of endless inspiration, and I promise to keep working hard to bring more of it to you,” she added.
The Grade 5 student at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad was in London last year when her mother bought her a ticket to visit the Natural History Museum. Sharing the trivia, she said, “Last year mom bought a ticket to take me here. Little did I know that this year I would be invited by @nhm_wpy to share the stage with the best in the field of #wildlifephotography Super excited to learn from the images that will be showcased at Wildlife Photographer of the Year in October 2024.”
View this post on Instagram
The BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, often dubbed the “Oscars of Wildlife Photography,” draws more than 50,000 entries from 95 countries globally. Shreyovi’s accomplishment not only showcases her remarkable talent but also brings immense pride to India, as she becomes the youngest Indian to receive this prestigious honor.
Taking inspiration from dad
It was her seasoned photographer father Shivang Mehta who inspired a very young Shreyvoi to pick up the camera. From a young age, she started accompanying her dad and found her passion in photography. In a short span, she developed a keen eye for detail and perfect timing which helped her capture the shot. When she saw the two peahens, she instantly recognised the potential of a great shot and soon ran to her father to grab her camera and take the perfect shot from a low angle.
“In this selection, you see species diversity, a range of behavior, and conservation issues. These images represent the evolution of the competition through the years, from pure natural history to photography that fully embraces representation of the natural world – the beauty and the challenges,” Kathy Moran, chair of the judging panel, said in a statement.
View this post on Instagram
Shreyovi Mehta calls her parents the wind beneath her wings who have always encouraged her to follow her dreams. “Even when they seemed too big for a kid like me. Your love and encouragement have been my greatest strength.”
Future plan
It is on October 8 that her photo will be exhibited at the Natural History Museum’s prestigious exhibition, along with the work of the world’s top wildlife photographers. “This is just the beginning! I will keep learning, improving, and striving to do even better. The journey continues, and I’m excited for what’s next! That’s Shreyovi’s promise.”
After capturing India’s national bird through her lens, she now aims to put the tiger – India’s national animal – in the spotlight where it can be recognised on a platform as big as the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. “I will continue to practice so that one day even our national animal – the tiger gets the same recognition,” she said.
View this post on Instagram
Shreyovi’s journey as a young wildlife photographer is nothing short of inspiring. At just 10 years old, she has already etched her name among the world’s most talented photographers, with her breathtaking image of peahens captivating a global audience. Her deep connection to India’s wildlife, nurtured by her father’s guidance and her own passion for photography, promises a bright future. This is only the beginning for Shreyovi, whose talent and drive will undoubtedly continue to make waves in the world of wildlife photography.
