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Capturing a fleeting moment, telling stories through a lens, and evoking emotion through a single frame, is not easy. In this age of smartphones, all of us have the ability to capture pictures and videos, but only a few can add meaning to them.
We sat down with the incredibly talented Tallo Anthony, a wildlife photographer and videographer hailing from Arunachal Pradesh and discussed his journey of getting behind the lens.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
What got you interested in capturing moments?
In 2011, I was working as a computer operator for the Forest Department. During wildlife week, I was asked to join a nature workshop at the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary by my DFO, Milo Tasser. When we reached our destination, I saw kids painting and bird watching. Instinctively I began clicking their pictures using my mobile phone. I showed these images to my DFO and the very next day, he gave me his hand-held camera and asked me to click pictures using it. That sort of started my journey into photography.
I would say it was pure happenstance by which I got on this path and I am eternally grateful.
Credits: Tallo Anthony
Was photography always an interest of yours?
Somewhere it always has been, I feel. During my school days, we used to pitch in money and buy those Kodak reel cameras. It would have like 25 photos and we’d divide it amongst ourselves. As my friends grew up, they developed other interests, some were into singing, and others were into playing the guitar. For me, I’d carry a camera with me wherever I could, even on hikes and treks!
What is the biggest challenge when shooting in nature?
So, when we shoot in nature, we have to rely on natural light. You can neither control the light nor the animals. You have to be really patient. Usually, you have to take 20-30 shots just to check the lighting, this is even before the animal enters the scene. It sometimes can take days to get even a single shot.
I remember in 2019, I was working with the Gaia people. We were shooting for the second season of the On the Brink series. I was supposed to shoot a baby hornbill. Now, the mother came out of the nest but the baby didn’t. I used to go every day from 5 am to 3 pm. Just waiting for the bird to show up. After 12 days of waiting, I was able to get a 5-second shot!
In photography, how much do scientific and artistic aspects matter? And, what are the various artistic and scientific elements in your work? How do these come together?
One is the soul, the other is the body. It is 50-50.
If you have the idea and the vision but don’t have the equipment, then how would you show it to the world?
My work is a blend of artistic and scientific elements that come together to create visually compelling and thought-provoking content. These elements are intertwined and complement each other, allowing me to tell stories and capture moments in a unique and engaging way.
The artistic elements include but are not limited to, composition, colour, lighting, storytelling, and style. On the other hand, scientific elements are - camera techniques, optics, post-production (editing and post-processing), research and collaboration.
Credits: Tallo Anthony
SciArt, simply put, is the coming together of science and art to build experiences that everyone can relate to. It is a perspective. Would you say your work is SciArt?
Yes, I believe my work can be considered SciArt to some extent. As a photographer and filmmaker, I often explore the beauty and complexity of the natural world, capturing the intricate patterns and structures that are inherently scientific.
I also use technology and various techniques to create visually stunning images and films, which is an artistic endeavour. By merging these two aspects, I aim to create experiences that resonate with a wide audience and spark curiosity about the world around us. In this way, my work embodies the spirit of SciArt.
You mentioned that one couldn’t control natural elements, making wildlife photography challenging. But has the latest advancement in photography helped you overcome some aspects of the problem?
Yes, the latest advancements in photography have indeed helped overcome some aspects of the challenges associated with wildlife photography. While we still cannot control natural elements, these technological improvements have made it easier to adapt to and work with unpredictable conditions in the field. Some of these advancements include:
Improved camera sensors
Faster autofocus systems
High-speed continuous shooting
Image stabilization
Weather sealing
Remote camera control and monitoring
Drones
While these advancements have certainly made wildlife photography more accessible and manageable, it is essential to remember that patience, persistence, and respect for the animals and their environment remain crucial aspects of successful wildlife photography.
How do you go about capturing an emotion, especially in wildlife photography? In other words, how do you get the perfect shot?
It all starts with research. We make a rough script for what we want to capture. But, many times it so happens that some of the most beautiful shots are unexpected.
Let’s say I wanted to click a picture of an animal drinking water, and suddenly the animal jumps, and I capture that moment. And as it turns out, it is a great shot, the perfect one! So, some things happen by luck or chance.
Credits: Tallo Anthony
Ok, this or that. Hand-held camera or setting it up on a tripod?
Well, I’d say handheld camera but sometimes we do have to use a tripod like when we’re shooting a time-lapse. And here again, I’d say investing in a good tripod and a rain cover is really a must.
How was shooting for NatGeo? How was that experience? Can you tell us about the process?
At that time, I was working as a freelance photographer and filmmaker. I got a call one day from someone from The Gaia People. They were planning to shoot a series on endangered species in India. They gave me an opportunity to work on that project and I took it.
I’d always wanted to know how big production houses worked and this felt like the right place to learn.
I worked for one year on the project. I did sound and then shot with the gimbal and camera for the initial six months. I also used GoPro to shoot Olive Ridley turtles in the ocean and got a chance to fly a drone.
For the next six months, I did the editing. I learned a lot during this time, including camera settings and the new tech that experts are using. Once the project was completed, The Gaia People team sent what we’d created to NatGeo.
Credits: Tallo Anthony
Apart from wildlife photography, you also work with tribal communities. How do you make people from these communities feel comfortable to be able to shoot them?
People do get uncomfortable. They ask questions, they sometimes might not understand what we are doing, or why we are shooting. I’ve been in situations where we literally had to run away because of these problems. But, over time, I have learnt how to tackle these problems.
So, most of the time, I use the internet to connect with the most active person on social media from that community. I explain my idea and ask for their help in coordinating.
Additionally, when we reach the location, we make sure that the first thing we do is meet with village elders, talk to them, and show them our work to gain their trust. Once they are comfortable, only then we proceed forward. Once the shoot is done, we show them small clips from the shoot.
What message are you trying to convey when you are showcasing the story of a tribal community?
In Arunachal, our young generation is drifting away from their roots. It’s an inevitable change and one we can’t reverse. But, what we can do is preserve what we have now.
Children can name their tribe but can’t speak the language. I want to preserve that culture, I want to capture their knowledge before it gets lost.
You see, we’re quite fortunate. We’re at the cusp of the change- we can see two generations at the same time. One hadn’t seen the phone ever, the other doesn’t want to get out of the phone. While our traditions and practices might become a distant memory in coming times, future generations must have something to see and remember the past and where we come from.
Credits: Tallo Anthony
In one word/sentence, what is photography to you?
For me, it is life. This is like my second birth. Initially, I had some personal problems but a lot of people helped me in this journey and that’s how I was able to do what I really loved.
Last question: How do you think PurpleBlue House can further contribute to SciArt?
PurpleBlue House, as India's first SciArt-driven creative lab, has the potential to make significant contributions to the field of SciArt by fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, promoting education and awareness, and supporting artists and scientists in their creative endeavours to explore the intersection of their fields.
Disclaimer: The information posted here represents the views and opinions of the interviewee and does not necessarily represent the views of PurpleBlue House.
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