THROUGH THE LENS ACROSS SEVEN CONTINENTS

In an age where wildlife often reaches us through fleeting social media clips and television documentaries, Hyderabad-based wildlife photographer Hymakar Valluri offers something deeper—a moment of stillness, reflection, and connection with the natural world.

His exhibition, “Nature’s Legacy”, inaugurated at the State Art Gallery in Madhapur, Hyderabad, is far more than a display of stunning photographs. It is a visual chronicle of more than two decades spent pursuing some of the planet’s most elusive creatures and fragile ecosystems. From the vast African savannahs and the dense rainforests of South America and Borneo to the icy wilderness of the Arctic and the volcanic landscapes of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, Valluri’s work captures nature in its rawest and most compelling form.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD) and Special Officer, HMDA Limits, Government of Telangana. Joining him were prominent conservationists and public figures including Anil Kumar V Epur, Trustee of WWF-India and Chairman of WWF-India Hyderabad Office; Dr Srivari Chandrasekhar, former Secretary of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India; and Anoop Singh, IFS, former Director General of the Forest Survey of India and former Chief Wildlife Warden of Andhra Pradesh.

Photography as Conservation

What distinguishes “Nature’s Legacy” from a conventional photography exhibition is its strong conservation narrative. Every image is accompanied by carefully researched information about the species depicted, including its conservation status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Visitors encounter not only magnificent wildlife portraits but also stories of survival. Some species are categorized as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Near Threatened, while others stand as reminders of ecosystems under increasing pressure from climate change, habitat loss, and human encroachment.

This scientific and educational layer transforms the exhibition into an immersive learning experience. The photographs become ambassadors for species and habitats that many people may never encounter firsthand.

The Story Behind Every Frame

Wildlife photography demands much more than technical skill. It requires patience, endurance, and an intimate understanding of animal behaviour. For Valluri, every image represents hours, days, and sometimes weeks of waiting. Whether observing predators on the African plains, tracking rare birds in tropical forests, or enduring sub-zero temperatures in the Arctic, the pursuit of a single photograph often involves navigating challenging terrain and unpredictable weather.

The narratives accompanying the photographs reveal these journeys. They describe the moods of animals, the circumstances surrounding each encounter, and the perseverance required to capture fleeting moments that can never be recreated.

The result is a collection that feels alive. A predator’s gaze, a bird’s delicate movement, or a landscape bathed in rare light tells a story extending far beyond the frame.

A Global Journey Through Wilderness

The exhibition reflects Valluri’s extensive travels across some of the world’s most biodiverse regions, including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Borneo, the Arctic region, Russia, and Australia.

Each destination contributes a unique chapter to the larger story of Earth’s interconnected ecosystems. Together, the photographs highlight both the extraordinary diversity of life and the universal challenges facing wildlife across continents.

Visitors move from tropical rainforests teeming with life to frozen Arctic landscapes where climate change has become an unmistakable reality. The exhibition serves as a reminder that conservation is not confined by geography; it is a shared global responsibility.

International Recognition

Valluri’s work has earned acclaim on some of the world’s most respected photography platforms. His achievements include recognition from National Geographic, where one of his images was selected as Photo of the Day, as well as awards in the National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year (People’s Choice) competition and Better Photography Magazine’s Photo of the Year honours. Yet despite the accolades, the photographs remain grounded in a simple purpose: creating a connection between people and nature.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Speaking at the inauguration, Jayesh Ranjan emphasized the importance of such exhibitions in building environmental awareness. He noted that Valluri’s work documents the planet’s natural heritage while encouraging future generations to value and protect it. For Valluri, the exhibition is a celebration of the beauty, resilience, and diversity of life on Earth. Through his images, he hopes visitors leave with a renewed appreciation for the natural world and a deeper understanding of the urgent need to preserve it.

As urbanization continues to distance many people from nature, exhibitions like “Nature’s Legacy” serve as a powerful reminder of what remains worth protecting.

The photographs may be still, but their message is unmistakably dynamic: conservation begins with awareness, and awareness begins with seeing.

What:Nature’s Legacy – A Wildlife & Nature Photography Exhibition by Hymakar Valluri

Where:State Art Gallery, Madhapur, Hyderabad

When:June 12–14, 2026