Young talent from India shines in wildlife photography

At just 9 years old, Shreyovi Mehta is already a talent in photography, so much so that she was awarded in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition

Shreyovi Mehta, a young fifth-grade student from Shiv Nadar School in Faridabad, India, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by becoming the youngest Indian ever to be recognized in the prestigious BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

At just 9 years old, Shreyovi secured second place in the “10 Years and Under” category with her photograph titled “In the Spotlight”. This striking image, featuring two Indian peafowls framed against the misty landscape of Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, was chosen from nearly 60,000 entries submitted by participants from 117 countries.

The photograph was captured during a morning walk with her parents. Possessing a keen eye and remarkable talent, Shreyovi immediately recognized the opportunity to capture a special moment. She quickly grabbed her father’s camera and chose a low angle to highlight the elegant silhouette of the peafowls against the foggy background. The photo captivated the judges, who were impressed by its painterly quality and perfect timing.

Shreyovi will be the guest of honor at the awards ceremony

The BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is considered the “Oscars” of wildlife photography, serving as a showcase for emerging talents in the field of nature photography. Shreyovi’s win not only showcases her early talent but also brings pride to India, illustrating how a passion for wildlife photography can blossom from a young age.

Shreyovi will be the guest of honor at the awards ceremony, which will take place on October 8, 2024, at the Natural History Museum in London. Her photograph will be displayed in an exhibition that will attract visitors from around the world. This recognition is not only a significant personal achievement but can also serve as an inspiring example for young photographers globally, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving excellence.

Filled with joy over the recognition, Shreyovi expressed her gratitude for her parents’ support and stated her desire to continue honing her skills in wildlife photography. She aims to one day capture equally significant images of the tiger, India’s national animal.