Aishwarya Sridhar, a wildlife photographer from Panvel, Maharashtra has created history by becoming the first and youngest girl from India to win it in the Adult Category of Wildlife Photographer of the Year award. The award completes 56 years in 2020 and was announced at the Natural History Museum.
Sridhar was selected among 50,000 entries from over 80 countries around the world. A total of 100 images were shortlisted and bestowed the prestigious awards. Sridhar won in the Behaviour Invertebrates category for her image named Lights of Passion that was captured using one of Canon’s premium DSLRs – EOS-1DX Mark II. Aishwarya used a 35mm lens or Canon EF16-35mm F/2.8 L II USM lens to be precise at a focal length of 24mm, a shutter speed of 24 seconds, and an f/2.8 aperture and ISO 1000 for the shot.
The image will be exhibited at the Natural History Museum and also be a part of a touring exhibition that will travel to 60 venues across 6 continents.
The photographer posted the picture on her Instagram handle and stated the award to be a dream come true. She also thanked the jury, NHM, and WPY congratulating all the 1oo winners.
This year the selection process was virtual with respect to the COVID-19 outbreak.
About Aishwarya Sridhar
Besides being a photographer, the 23-year-old is a wildlife presenter and documentary filmmaker. Her documentary Queen of Taru was awarded at the 9th Wildlife Conservation Film Festival in New York.
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She is the youngest girl to have won the Sanctuary Asia- Young Naturalist Award and the International Camera Fair Award. Her other awards include the ‘Diana Award‘ and ‘Woman Icon India Award‘ from the Governor of Tamil Nadu for her contribution towards nature.
Aishwarya is also involved in environmental conservation. She is a member of the Maharashtra Wetland Identification Committee appointed by the Bombay High Court.