Behind the Lens with Kaushiik Subramaniam

A conversation with The 2024 Flow Photo Contest Water Category Winner

As you may or may not know, Flow puts on an annual photo contest to celebrate all the artists out there, providing them with an opportunity to get their work in front of world-class judges and out into the world. The winner of last year’s Water Category, Kaush Subramaniam, is a  wildlife conservation biologist and filmmaker, combining two passions to help give voices to species and ecosystems who need them most. We were able to dive deep with Kaush to explore his journey as a photographer and how he captures conservation. 

Explain to us how you got into photography?

I’ve always had a camera in my hand since I was young, just as a hobby, photographing family, events, and friends. I got into it more seriously whilst I was studying for my Master’s degree as it went hand-in-hand with my research and I haven't looked back since.

What is the most rewarding part of combining photography with conservation? 

Spreading awareness to the amazing work done by scientists in the field and changing perceptions of animals. Many species such as sharks and snakes have been historically vilified and for me, it is important to change the narrative around these species and show just how incredible they are — getting people to fall in love with the animals so they will help to protect them.

Favorite image you’ve ever taken? What’s the story behind it? 

This image is very special to me. It was my first image to be nominated for awards and the encounter behind it is still one of the best that I have ever had with a whale shark. I took it whilst free diving down to meet a whale shark that was ascending from the deep. It came up to feed in the shallow waters of the reef and I spent more than two hours with this individual as it gorged on plankton. It is very rare to be able to spend that much time with a shark, and everything about the encounter was so special. 

What do you want people to take away from viewing your work? 

The same love and passion for wildlife that I have. I’m lucky enough to spend time in the wild with these amazing animals, something that most people aren’t fortunate enough to experience. But I hope that through my work, people are able to connect and it evokes emotions within them that compels them to do their best to protect nature.

Provide a photo that evokes a strong memory for you. Tell us about it.

I took this photo during my first time in the ocean during a storm. I have a print of it on my desk and sometimes I find myself lost in it — there’s just so much going on. I remember the chaos above the water of heavy rainfall, and the calm serenity below the waves. I snapped this image quickly on my way back to the boat as the crew were preparing to head to shore.

Show us a photo that changed your perspective on life. How? 

This is the toughest image that I have ever had to take. Not in terms of the skills required to take it, but the emotional strength that it took. This is a critically endangered Giant Guitarfish being dragged to shore by fishermen in rural Mozambique. Despite their low numbers these fish aren’t protected in these waters, and they provide a vital source of protein and income for the community. It was incredibly difficult watching this beautiful animal being taken from the water, but necessary, in order to help drive changes in conservation laws in the future.

Follow along with Kaush’s journey

kaush.net | @kaushman