Vishal Subramanyan will share some of his amazing photos and the techniques he uses to capture remarkable images. Vishal is a 21 year old wildlife photographer and undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley. Using camera traps, telephoto lenses, and other photography techniques, he aims to capture unique imagery that raises awareness about conservation and inspires community action. With an academic background in ecology, he integrates science into his storytelling efforts, using his knowledge of the animals and environments to create compelling stories.

Vishal has been photographing since he was 14 years old, when he went on a trip to Alaska with his dad. He had always wanted to see the bears fishing salmon, and immediately got hooked onto photography when he picked up a camera there. Since then, he has been working on conservation stories across California. His work with bobcats in the Bay Area has earned him both local coverage and international recognition.

An important part of his work is directly engaging with his community. Vishal regularly gives speaking engagements in the Bay Area and beyond, where he’s able to connect with a wide audience of nature lovers. With a community of over 100,000 followers on social media, he’s been able to share stories of California’s wildlife with global audiences.

Currently, he is in his final year of university, and is collaborating with the National Park Service, UC Berkeley, National Geographic, and local non-profits on various science and storytelling projects across the state.