Vaidehi Chandrasekar, 72, wins global nature photography gold for giraffe shot
Vaidehi Chandrasekar captured a stunning photograph titled 'Water Ballet,' showcasing a giraffe gracefully drinking water in Botswana. The imagery beautifully illustrates the giraffe's fluid movements, enhanced by the shimmering sunlight on the water's surface. Since retiring in 2019, Chandrasekar has dedicated her passion to wildlife photography, striving to promote conservation efforts through…
In the golden hues of Botswana's sunset, 72-year-old Vaidehi Chandrasekar's photograph, titled "Water Ballet," took center stage as the winner of the Behaviour – Mammals category at the 2026 World Nature Photography Awards. The image captured a rare moment as the giraffe bent its long legs to lower its neck towards the water, drank, and then swished its head to send droplets into a near-perfect circular arc before they fell back to the ground.
Chandrasekar, a Singapore permanent resident, found inspiration in the fleeting scene, describing it as a "rare moment at the water's edge" that took her by surprise. She utilized a Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera with a 400mm lens, employing a fast shutter speed of 1/1000 second, an aperture of f/5.6, and ISO 400 to freeze the droplets and preserve the circular shape.
The photograph's impact lay not only in the technical execution but also in the natural conditions. The low sun illuminated the droplets from behind, creating a bright outline and golden reflections that set the image apart. Chandrasekar's journey into wildlife photography began in 2019 after retiring from her job in systems design support.
Equipped with knowledge gained from YouTube tutorials and hands-on experience, the couple embarked on safari trips to photograph animals in their natural habitats, including giraffes, leopards, polar bears, and even birds that visit Singapore during migration seasons.
Her Botswana safari, however, presented its own set of challenges. Camping with her husband was demanding, but they persevered to capture the unique moment. Looking ahead, Chandrasekar envisions future trips to photograph orangutans in Indonesia and penguins in Antarctica. Her involvement in wildlife photography extends beyond personal fulfillment, as she believes that compelling images can raise awareness about animals and the importance of preserving their natural habitats.
The World Nature Photography Awards partner with Ecologi to plant a tree for every entry submitted, reinforcing the conservation aspect of the competition.
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