Unseen, Unheard, Unforgettable: Jayanth Sharma’s Wildlife Photography

Jayanth Sharma has been celebrated as an award-winning wildlife photographer, revered for his ability to capture the untamed beauty of nature. His work speaks of patience, precision, and a rare talent for freezing moments that evoke wonder. Titles and accolades often precede his name, role as a Sony Alpha Ambassador, international acclaim, and his presence in exhibitions across the globe. Yet, these accomplishments are merely fragments of a much larger story.

Behind the lens is a man whose passion for storytelling goes beyond the frame. His photographs aren’t just images; they are portals to another world, a vivid testament to his deep connection with the wilderness. But who is he beyond the accolades and the shimmering spotlight?

Meet Jayanth Sharma, a name synonymous with wildlife photography, a seeker of untold stories, and a voice for the natural world. Let’s look closer at the life behind the lens and uncover what drives this extraordinary artist.

Jayanth Sharma’s Childhood Shaped by Photography

Jayanth Sharma’s journey into wildlife photography wasn’t just about the technicalities of the craft. It was an inheritance passed down through generations. Born into a family of art and creativity, his father, Dr Nagaraja Sharma, a retired photographer, was his first mentor. From an early age, Jayanth was his father’s muse. He spent hours with him in the darkroom and learning the nuances of photography. It wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about seeing the world through a different lens. His father’s quiet & patient teachings became the bedrock of Jayanth’s photographic journey.

Nurtured by Family and Faith

Growing up in Mysuru, Jayanth was a natural leader with a vibrant personality. He threw himself into every aspect of school life, whether dramatics, music, or sports. His friends often recall his enthusiasm and determination to embrace new experiences. But it wasn’t just about school activities but about the family atmosphere that nurtured his creative spirit.

The tranquil environment of his home, located near a temple, gave him a sense of calm and discipline that influenced his life and work. His grandfather, Sri Ramashastri, a priest at the Veeranjaneyaswamy Temple in Mysuru, shaped his life with deep spiritual teachings. Jayanth’s grandmother, a strong matriarch, instilled in him the values of determination and love, which would later guide him through life’s challenges.

Nurturing Talents and Friendships

Jayanth’s love marked his school years at CFTRI School in Mysuru for extracurricular activities. He was the school parade leader and class monitor and a celebrated participant in dramatics, singing, NCC, and painting. The friends he made during these years remain his closest companions, and his school experience was a foundational part of shaping his identity.

During his final year at GT&TC, Jayanth had an eye-opening experience when he was sent for industrial training in Nashik. This small factory exposure, alongside the men who worked there and ran households on meagre salaries, broadened his perspective on life and work.

The Accident That Changed Everything

In 2000, Jayanth’s life took a sudden, unexpected turn. An accident while working at the factory left him with severe injuries to his fingers. After two surgeries, his right hand was permanently affected, but the incident did not dampen his spirit. It opened up new possibilities for him, and during his recovery, he delved deep into the world of web design and graphic design, skills that would soon set the foundation for his future career.

In 2001, Jayanth was employed as a Graphic Designer at Jarvis Infotech, even before his classmates had received their exam results. This job marked the beginning of his career in the IT industry.

The Golden Period at Accenture

Jayanth’s journey in the IT world reached its peak when he joined Accenture, where he truly found his place in the tech industry. The exposure to world-class technology, the company’s modern outlook, and strong culture left an indelible mark on him. During his time there, Jayanth also began nurturing his passion for nature and wildlife, a love that would eventually lead him to leave the corporate world behind and pursue photography full-time.

The Leap into Wildlife Photography

Although Jayanth had always been surrounded by photography, being the son of a photographer, he never considered it a career. However, his growing interest in nature and wildlife photography became more than just a hobby.

Jayanth’s true connection to wildlife photography began during his trips to national parks like Bandipur, Nagarahole, and Kabini. His love for nature and animals deepened here, and he started honing his photography skills. His passion for photography led him to travel extensively, covering various wildlife expeditions across India and the world.

Jayanth’s breakthrough moment came in 2006 when his photograph of a Monitor Lizard Combat was featured on the cover of Sanctuary Asia magazine in February 2007. Later that year, his picture of a charging elephant won a prize in their annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest.

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Jayanth Sharma’s Global Travels and the Birth of Toehold

Jayanth’s deep love of wildlife has led him to explore remote and breathtaking places worldwide, from the Arctic to Antarctica, East Africa, and Japan. In 2010, he co-founded Toehold, India’s leading wildlife photography and travel company, where he serves as CEO. Toehold specializes in wildlife photography expeditions, workshops, and custom travel experiences, becoming a cornerstone of wildlife photography in India. Under Jayanth’s leadership, Toehold has mentored over 10,000 individuals and hosted countless workshops, fostering a love for nature through photography. Jayanth shares his technical skills and leads clients on global wildlife expeditions, allowing them to witness and photograph nature’s wonders while sharing his extensive knowledge and passion.

Beyond Photography

Today, Jayanth Sharma is not just a photographer. His work has been featured in prestigious publications and exhibitions, pushing the limits of possibility, telling powerful stories and evoking emotions. This relentless pursuit of excellence has earned him numerous awards and recognitions, cementing his place as one of India’s most respected wildlife photographers. But Jayanth is more than just a photographer; he’s a mentor, traveller, and passionate advocate for conservation. Through his work, he raises awareness about the importance of wildlife preservation, using his platform to inspire action. Whether speaking at global conferences, sharing his experiences on social media, or mentoring the next generation of photographers, Jayanth’s impact continues to grow.

Where to Find Jayanth Sharma

Jayanth’s work goes far beyond galleries and exhibitions, inspiring millions worldwide. Dive into his visual journey on Instagram, where he shares breathtaking photographs and his passion for conservation and the environment. Whether you’re looking to enhance your own photography skills or simply soak in his expertise, Jayanth’s workshops offer a unique opportunity for budding photographers to learn from one of the best. Want more? Look at his website, his stunning Fine Art Gallery and Toehold Travel & Photography to get an insider’s view of what it is like in his world, his travels, and the incredible wildlife he captures.