Yogesh Bhatia: A Wildlife Photographer Who Defies Limits — From Frozen Spiti to the Great Plains of Masai Mara

At an age when most people think of retirement, Yogesh Bhatia chose the road less travelled — literally. At 60, he climbed to 14,000 feet in Spiti Valley, braving minus 25°C temperatures to capture the rare silence of snow and the soul of survival.

A passionate wildlife photographer, mentor, and explorer, Yogesh continues to chase light, emotion, and life across India and Africa — proving that passion doesn’t retire; it evolves.

The Call of the Wild

For Yogesh, wildlife photography isn’t just about documenting animals — it’s about capturing emotion in the wild. His photographs reveal tenderness in strength, calm in chaos, and connection in solitude. From the majestic tigers of Jim Corbett, Panna, and Ranthambore to the mighty elephants and stealthy leopards of Tadoba, every frame tells a heartfelt story of patience, beauty, and belonging.

Spiti at 60: A Journey of Endurance and Spirit

One of Yogesh’s most inspiring adventures took him to the Spiti Valley — a place few dare to shoot. “At 60, I didn’t go there to prove anything — only to feel alive again,” he reflects. Working in harsh, freezing winds, Yogesh used his Sony Alpha 1 and Sony Alpha 7R V, paired with Sony’s 400mm f/2.8 and 70–200mm lenses, to create breathtaking images that combine technical mastery with emotional depth.

Across Continents: From India’s Jungles to Africa’s Plains

Yogesh’s journeys span continents — from India’s tiger reserves to the Masai Mara, Tanzania, and South Africa.

His camera has witnessed lions in golden light, elephants crossing rivers, whales breaching, and penguins by the sea. His favourite subjects remain big cats — creatures that reflect both power and grace, embodying the essence of the wild he so passionately portrays.

Milestones and Recognition

Yogesh’s work has been published in reputed newspapers and magazines in India and abroad, and one of his iconic wildlife images was featured on a large conservation hoarding in Mumbai.

He also holds a rare photographic record — capturing the world’s smallest spotted hyena pup moments after birth — a once-in-a-lifetime scene that stirred both emotion and scientific interest.

The Mentor Behind the Lens

As a wildlife photography mentor, Yogesh leads workshops that blend field experience, learning, and creative inspiration. Participants consistently give him five-star Google reviews, praising his ability to simplify complex techniques and his warmth in sharing knowledge.

Living Life in Focus

From the silence of Spiti to the rhythm of the Masai Mara, Yogesh Bhatia continues to capture not just wildlife, but the emotion behind every encounter. His work reminds us that the wild is not just seen — it’s felt. And as long as there are stories to tell, he will keep living life through the lens, in perfect focus.