The Wild Card

They are also in the process of finalising a project to work on a book in association with the Oberoi group of hotels,which will capture their experiences of travelling through India. The Scotts,who feel they have evolved from wildlife to travel photography,wish to take a road trip from northern tip of India down to the southern-most.

However,this isn’t their first time in the country; the duo has been visiting India for over a decade,but their travels have mostly been limited to wildlife sanctuaries,metropolitan cities,Jaipur and Agra. “We visit the Taj Mahal every year — it’s like a pilgrimage for both Angie and me,” says 63-year-old Jonathan,who has been trying to capture the monument differently.

The couple got married in 1992 at the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and lives in the suburbs of Nairobi with their house overlooking the picturesque Ngong Hills. Giraffes,big cats,buffaloes,snakes and several other animals are regular visitors on their 10-acre property.

Their compatibility reflects in their work. While for Angela — who used to sketch since childhood — photography was a natural progression,Jonathan took to it to aid his research. It is this combination of scientific and artistic approach that helps them in their work. Together,they have penned nearly a dozen books and contributed to eight television series,including Big Cat Diary,Big Bear Diary and Elephant Diaries.

Their favourite animals to track have been the big cats. “We have followed a pride of lions for 35 years. They are all dead now; we are following their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sometimes,we know them as well as we know our friends,” says Jonathan,pointing out that reciprocation of such emotions shouldn’t be excepted. “They are now used to certain kinds of vehicles and allow them in their vicinity. But they genetically perceive primates as a threat,and attack,” he explains.

The most important prerequisite in wildlife photography is patience. Jonathan says there is no easier way to photograph these creatures. He cites an example,“Once I spotted a leopard on top of a tree at 5.30 am and knew that he may not move from his spot before dusk. I spent the following 12 hours reading and working on my laptop. At 6.30 pm,the leopard got up,yawned,stretched and I managed to click him in silhouette climbing down the tree.”