-Profile- Weaving Stories through Photographs: Chandra Shekhar Chauhan

-Profile-

Weaving Stories through Photographs

Chandra Shekhar Chauhan

 Chandra Shekhar Chauhan, a seasoned photographer rooted in the captivating landscapes of Uttarakhand, has a dynamic three-decade journey behind the lens. With each click, he weaves stories that celebrate the raw beauty of nature and wildlife, reflecting his unwavering passion for the craft.

His expertise has found expression through collaborations with various government and private entities, where his images have served as poignant narratives in documentaries capturing the essence of his homeland. Chandra Shekhar’s extensive experience allows him to effortlessly navigate the intricate dance of light and shadow, crafting compositions that speak volumes about Uttarakhand’s vibrant ecosystem. He has captured most of the flora of Valley of flowers. He has published two books on Valley of Flowers.

But Chandra Shekhar’s artistry extends beyond the confines of the camera. As a writer, he pens tales that mirror the soul of Uttarakhand, drawing readers into a world where culture, tradition, and biodiversity converge.

Through his lens and pen alike, Chandrashekhar Chauhan emerges not just as a photographer, but as a storyteller whose narratives transcend time, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the timeless allure of Uttarakhand’s natural splendor and cultural heritage. 

Chandrashekhar resides in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He Works as managing director in DHAROHAR FILMS, a company established for making short films, advertisement films, documentary films, music video albums and freelance photography. He has worked with Forest department in an expedition to Nanda Devi base camp, inner sanctuary in 2015 as documentary film maker and photographer, and also made some documentary films on National Park Valley of Flowers. Some of his documentary films are associated with Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Central Garhwal University, Srinagar. These are based on Journey of Swami Vivekanand in Uttarakhand. 

(Text and Images courtesy: Chandra Shekhar Chauhan)

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

-Profile- Capturing the Wild : The Inspiring Journey of Ashish Dwivedi

 -Above Ordinary-
Capturing the Wild
The Inspiring Journey of Ashish Dwivedi

In the realm of wildlife photography, few names evoke as much admiration and respect as that of Ashish Dwivedi. Born on September 29, 1969, in the quaint town of Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, Ashish's journey from being a dedicated teacher to a celebrated wildlife photographer is nothing short of extraordinary. His indomitable spirit, coupled with an unyielding passion for nature, has not only led him to capture breathtaking images of wildlife but has also seen him bravely combat a formidable adversary – blood cancer.

Ashish's fascination with wildlife burgeoned at a young age, fuelled by his exploration of the verdant landscapes surrounding his hometown. Despite pursuing a career in teaching, his heart remained steadfastly tethered to the untamed beauty of the natural world. In his spare time, Ashish would embark on expeditions, armed with nothing but his camera and an insatiable thirst for adventure. These journeys laid the foundation for his remarkable foray into wildlife photography.

His lens became a conduit through which he communicated the mesmerizing stories of the animal kingdom. Whether it was the piercing gaze of a majestic tiger or the graceful flight of an eagle, Ashish possessed an uncanny ability to encapsulate the essence of each moment. His photographs were not merely images but windows into the soul of the wilderness, invoking a profound sense of awe and reverence in all who beheld them.

Ashish's dedication to his craft soon garnered widespread acclaim, earning him accolades and recognition from the photography community. His work graced the pages of prestigious publications and adorned the walls of galleries around the world. Yet, amidst the adulation and acclaim, Ashish remained grounded, ever cognizant of the fragile harmony between man and nature that he sought to preserve through his art.

However, fate had another challenge in store for Ashish – a battle that would test his resolve like never before. In the prime of his career, Ashish was diagnosed with blood cancer, a diagnosis that threatened to derail his dreams and extinguish the flame of his passion. Yet, true to his resilient spirit, Ashish confronted this formidable adversary with unwavering courage and determination.

His journey through cancer treatment was arduous, marked by moments of despair and uncertainty. Yet, throughout the ordeal, Ashish found solace in his photography, using it as a beacon of hope to navigate the darkest corridors of his illness. Even in the confines of a hospital room, he continued to find beauty in the world around him, capturing images of the fleeting moments of joy and respite that punctuated his battle with cancer.

As Ashish emerged victorious from his struggle with cancer, he did so with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for life's precious moments. His photographs, imbued with a newfound depth and poignancy, served as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of nature to heal and inspire.

Today, Ashish Dwivedi stands as a beacon of inspiration to aspiring photographers and cancer survivors alike. His journey from the dusty classrooms of a small town to the vast expanses of the wilderness serves as a reminder that passion knows no bounds and that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can triumph against all odds. As he continues to roam the untamed corners of the earth, camera in hand, he remains a testament to the transformative power of following one's dreams and the enduring beauty of the natural world that surrounds us all.

(Text and Photographs Courtesy: Ashish Dwivedi)

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma