Name: Thomas Vijayan
Picture title: Parenting Goals
Category: People’s Choice
Nationality: Originally from India, now settled in Canada with family and I also spend a major time on UAE at times.
Occupation: I am a full-time photographer and businessman.
Technical information
Camera: CANON EOS R3
Lens: 100-500 mm
EXIF: 1/1600 – F7.1 – ISO 125
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Thomas Vijayan | Parenting Goals
Name: Thomas Vijayan
Picture title: Parenting Goals
Category: People’s Choice
Nationality: Originally from India, now settled in Canada with family and I also spend a major time on UAE at times.
Occupation: I am a full-time photographer and businessman.
Technical information
Camera: CANON EOS R3
Lens: 100-500 mm
EXIF: 1/1600 – F7.1 – ISO 125
Thomas Vijayan says:
Emperor penguins, native to Antarctica, display remarkable family dynamics. These majestic birds engage in an intricate dance of cooperation and nurturing to ensure the survival of their chicks in the harsh polar environment. Both parents actively share the responsibilities of caring for their offspring, taking turns incubating eggs and braving the cold conditions to secure food. Parental care is crucial for the chicks’ survival, with each chick always being looked after by one of its parents.
Before capturing this image, I spent hours lying flat on the sea ice, allowing the penguins to become accustomed to my presence. Gradually, I began photographing them from different angles. This image is especially dear to me as it depicts the deep family love and affection between the penguins, highlighting the strong bond they share. In their synchronized warmth, these fluffy youngsters find comfort and strength in the heart of the frigid wilderness.”
Thomas Vijayan
Originally from India, now settled in Canada
Thomas Vijayan is a globally renowned wildlife photographer whose passion for capturing the essence of nature has led him to every corner of the Earth. His journey has taken him across all seven continents, from the remote East to the rugged West, and from the icy North Pole to the expansive South Pole. Driven by a relentless pursuit of quality over quantity, Vijayan aims to capture moments that resonate with life and evoke joy.
Among his favorite subjects are majestic big cats, including the rare Amur Tiger, Amur Leopard, and Amur Leopard Cat. His photography goes beyond mere documentation, with each image representing a profound learning experience. His work emphasizes the unique imperfections of every moment, making them special and unforgettable. Vijayan’s deep love for nature is evident in his dedication to spending extended periods immersed in natural landscapes, where he finds both solace and inspiration.
However, Vijayan also expresses concern for the future of these natural wonders. He recognizes the impermanence of many species and ecosystems, and worries that future generations may not have the privilege of experiencing them as he has.
For Thomas Vijayan, photography is a holistic combination of his passions: nature, travel, meticulous practice, patience, unyielding passion, care for the environment, camaraderie with fellow photographers, and mastery of photographic gear. He views photography as a divine blessing, allowing him to witness and preserve some of nature’s most extraordinary moments.
Vijayan’s exceptional talent has earned him over 1000 awards in wildlife photography, cementing his status as a major figure in the field. He also serves as the Brand Ambassador for Nikon in the Middle East and Africa, a position he has held with distinction for the past six years. Through this partnership, he continues to inspire and educate fellow photographers while promoting the importance of capturing nature’s beauty through photography.
In summary, Thomas Vijayan is a testament to the power of photography as a tool for conservation, education, and inspiration. His work not only captures fleeting moments in nature but also serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and cherish the natural world for future generations.