Katika Harikrishna, Ph.D

Research and photography both seek to capture the essence of truth, one through data and the other through pixels

Every picture has a story to tell

I'm passionate about capturing moments through my lens. When life gets a bit overwhelming, I turn to my camera as my stress reliever. Photography, for me, is more than just a hobby – it's a form of therapy. I'm particularly drawn to travel and wildlife photography and my adventures have taken me to enchanting places like Banaras, Vrindavan, and Kanha National Park. Exploring the beauty of India while honing my photography skills has been an incredible journey. Even as I pursue my research, my passion for photography remains a constant companion. Join me on this visual exploration where every click tells a unique story, and let's embark on a journey through the lens together!

Varanasi Unveiled:

A Journey to India's Spiritual Heart

Capturing the Soul of Varanasi: A Photographer's Spiritual Odyssey

In the pursuit of honing my photography skills, the allure of Varanasi's rich culture, with its sadhus, ghats, and mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, became irresistible. Determined to satisfy the photographer within, fate smiled upon me when I discovered an upcoming conference, AIMTDR-2023, at IIT BHU. Seizing the opportunity, I not only attended and presented my research paper but also embarked on a profound journey through the spiritual heart of Banaras. From the ethereal ghats to the mystical Manikarnika Ghat, every frame captured echoed the essence of this ancient city, weaving a visual narrative that mirrored my own growth as a photographer and a seeker of spiritual beauty.

Captures at Banaras

Capturing Mowgli's Realm: A Photographic Odyssey in Kanha National Park

Capturing Wilderness: My Photography Journey in Kanha National Park"

Passionate about capturing wildlife inspired by renowned photographers like Sudhir Shivram and Varun Aditya, I embarked on a solo journey to Kanha National Park. This iconic park, visited by the author of "The Jungle Book," Rudyard Kipling, served as the backdrop for my adventure. Opting for the morning safari, I marveled at the animals' alarm calls echoing through the jungle. Witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat was a delightful experience, akin to the inspiration behind Kipling's timeless tales. My photography journey in Kanha was not just a visual feast but also a homage to the enchanting world of wild lives.

Captures at Kanha National Park

A Thrilling Adventure in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

A Wild Encounter: My Photography Adventure in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

At the end of April, I embarked on a wildlife photography adventure in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, known for its high tiger density. Over three days, I explored the Tala and Magadhi zones, each day filled with excitement and wonder. The highlight of my trip was spotting a majestic tigress in the Tala zone. Guided by the alarm calls of monkeys and deer, we finally found her. Seeing her move gracefully through the wild was a moment of pure awe. In the Magadhi zone, I captured a peacock in full display, dancing to attract a mate. His vibrant feathers shimmering in the sunlight was a breathtaking sight. Our eco-friendly breakfasts in the heart of the jungle added a unique charm to the adventure. This journey deepened my love for wildlife photography and left me with unforgettable memories.

Captures at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Solo Trip to Vrindavan

Turning a Solo Trip into a Photographer's Retreat

Embarking on a solo photography adventure to Vrindavan in March 2022, initially for the vibrant Holi celebrations in Mathura, turned into a shared odyssey. Beginning my journey from Warangal, I explored the Sree Radharani Temple, Barsana, Baba Temple in Nandagoan, and the enchanting Prem Mandir, Banke Bihari, and Sree Radha Gopinath temples in Vrindavan. What started as a solitary expedition transformed when I encountered like-minded individuals with a passion for photography. Together, we exchanged ideas, shared our creative space, and explored photography techniques. The solo journey evolved into a collaborative experience as we captured the essence of the festivities and created lasting memories during this week-long adventure.

Captures at Vrindavan

IIT Madras

Where Research Meets the Wild: My Beautiful Journey at IIT Madras

After working as an Assistant Professor at SVECW, I began a new chapter as a postdoctoral researcher at IIT Madras, India’s NIRF No. 1 ranked institution. While my heart was excited about research, the photographer in me found another paradise on campus. 🦌📸 From blackbucks and graceful deer roaming freely to mischievous monkeys, beautiful ponds, and colourful flowers, every walk became a new adventure. IIT Madras offered me the rare joy of living amidst wildlife while pursuing scientific dreams. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience where research inspired my mind, and nature captured my heart. 🌿

Captures at IIT Madras

Wildlife @IITM

An albino or leucistic blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is an extraordinarily rare white variant of the native Indian antelope caused by genetic mutations affecting melanin production.

Nature @IITM

Trip to Kodaikanal

A Refreshing Escape to Kodaikanal – The Princess of Hill Stations 🌿☁️

When friends from another lab planned a trip to Kodaikanal, the Princess of Hill Stations, how could I possibly say no? We set off on a wonderful three-day journey filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories. Away from the world of research and laboratories, we found ourselves surrounded by misty mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, and clouds drifting through the hills. It was a refreshing break for the mind and soul, reminding me that life is not just about research and deadlines, but also about the beautiful moments we create together. ❤️🏞️

Captures at Kodaikanal

Bathukamma

Bathukamma – A Celebration of Life and Nature 🌸

Bathukamma is a vibrant floral festival celebrated mainly in Telangana, honouring Goddess Gauri and celebrating the beauty of nature and womanhood. Women arrange seasonal flowers into beautiful floral stacks and gather to sing, dance, and celebrate together. The festival expresses gratitude to nature for its abundance, symbolising life, prosperity, and the bond between people and the environment. Celebrated during Navaratri, Bathukamma brings families and communities together in a joyful celebration of Telangana’s rich cultural heritage. 🌼

Captures at Bathukamma Festival

Other

Steel wool photography is a creative long-exposure technique where fine, burning steel wool is spun in a circle to capture glowing golden trails and sparks against a dark background.

Star trail photography captures the apparent circular or linear movement of stars across the night sky caused by the rotation of the Earth.

NITW reflection in water

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