Wildlife Photography in the Age of AI

Prakash Desai’s Wildlife Sadhana Amid the Noise of AI

Mumbai (Anil Bedag): In an era where artificial intelligence and advanced photo-editing tools have made image creation quick and effortless, wildlife photography continues to stand as an art rooted in patience, hard work, and deep respect for nature. Capturing authentic and natural images of animals in the wild demands time, self-discipline, and a genuine connection with the environment. While heavily edited visuals may dominate social media, true wildlife photography still holds a special place because of its honesty and emotional power.

One such sincere and dedicated photographer is Prakash Desai, an Indian-origin wildlife photographer based in the United States. Desai firmly believes that wildlife photography cannot be rushed, nor can it be created through software. According to him, real photographs emerge only by spending long hours in the जंगल, observing carefully, and waiting patiently for the perfect moment.

Over the past several decades, Prakash Desai has traveled extensively through forests, deserts, coastal regions, and national parks across the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and India. He has driven nearly 5,000 kilometers from the US to Canada on five different occasions solely for photography. In August 2015, he also undertook a special wildlife photography tour of New Zealand.

Born in Santrampur, Panchmahal, and originally from Bhadeli, Bulsar (Gujarat), Prakash Desai completed his schooling in Bilimora and pursued science at Bombay University. He moved to the United States in 1966 and earned a degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1970. Later, he studied Business Administration at the University of Chicago. Along with his wife, Dr. Geeta Desai, he worked in the Texas oil industry and currently manages his business, Om Tech Inc.

Although his profession followed a different path, photography became his true passion. At Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park, he waited patiently for 18 years before finally capturing a rare photograph of a tigress. His photographs were recently exhibited in India, and another exhibition is scheduled to be held soon in Vadodara.

Even at the age of 80, Prakash Desai remains as active as ever with his camera and the wilderness. He does not use Photoshop or any editing software, believing that a true photograph is one created by nature itself. His inspiring journey proves that there is no age limit to passion, patience, and authenticity.