About Jo

A life shaped by the outdoors

I was born into a military family, and we moved to a new station roughly every two years. Inspired by my father, I learnt early to appreciate the changing landscapes, habitats and wildlife we encountered. The seeds of my love for nature were sown long before I joined the military myself.

My own career later took me to distant corners of India—from deserts and forests to the high reaches of the Himalayas. Each posting brought a different landscape and new residents to observe, gradually deepening my connection with the natural world.

From curiosity to photography

In the beginning, it was simply curiosity and wonder. A book about birds and a pair of binoculars slowly turned that curiosity into a lasting interest.

Photography came later, inspired by Rohit Gupta, an outstanding birder and photographer. My friend Vinit Bajpai broadened my attention beyond birds to other wildlife—particularly tigers and leopards.

Throughout this journey, Pusha has been an encouraging and enthusiastic companion. Together, we have continued to learn, travel and improve our understanding of wildlife and photography.

After leaving the military, I spent a year and a half in Christchurch while considering a possible life in New Zealand. When an opportunity arose in East Africa, however, I did not have to think twice. It promised a better work–life balance and, just as importantly, brought us closer to some of the world’s richest wildlife landscapes.

Why BirdingJo?

BirdingJo is primarily a personal record of our encounters, journeys and photographs. If these experiences interest, inform or help someone else, so much the better.

I also hope that sharing them encourages others to support wildlife conservation—by visiting responsibly, respecting natural habitats, generously supporting the rangers and guides working on the ground, practising ethical photography, or contributing directly to conservation organisations.

If BirdingJo inspires even one more person to look closely, care deeply and help protect the natural world, the effort will have been worthwhile.

Happy exploring this blue dot we call home!