Renowned wildlife photographer Hermis Haridas has captured the hearts of many with his stunning images of wildlife in their natural habitats. Haridas had recently been awarded in the General Category (colour) at the prestigious HIPA awards, adding another accolade to his illustrious career. After receiving the award, he immediately embarked on a trip to the Masai Mara, a location close to his heart, to capture the stunning wildlife in the area.

His winning photograph ‘Dawn’s Whispers: Graceful Hoopoe Silhouette at Sunrise’ featuring the native bird hoopoe, shot in Al Qudra, had already picked up three international honours and the HIPA award acted as the icing on the cake that established his credentials as one of the most prominent wildlife photographers in the UAE. Haridas had captured this enchanting photograph after many long years of dedicated work and perseverence as a photographer.

But what sets Haridas apart from the rest of the photographers?

“Patience,” he says, “is the name of the game.” Wildlife photography is not about random, instant clicking. It requires a deep understanding of the subject and its behavior. This requires a keen eye and a great amount of patience to capture the perfect shot.

Haridas, who was once a programmer, turned his passion for wildlife photography into a profession and a mission to educate, inspire, and contribute to wildlife conservation. He now owns a camp in Masai Mara, with half of the profits going to the local community. When he is in Dubai, he also conducts free photography workshops in Al Qudra, passing on the knowledge he has accumulated over the years.

Haridas’ journey from a casual pastime to a passion, then profession, showcases his resilience and commitment in the 14 years he has been on the wild trail. Through his photography platforms, Paws Trails and Mara Trails, his ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between people and nature while contributing to wildlife conservation.

From his compelling images to his commitment to wildlife conservation, Hermis Haridas has truly captured the essence of wildlife photography and its power to inspire and educate.