Reimagining The Wilderness: Kenyan Photographer Paras Chandaria’s Creative Vision With The Canon EOS R1

For wildlife photographer Paras Chandaria, every journey into the wilderness is a quest to capture the raw beauty and untold stories of nature. Recently, Paras had the unique opportunity to test the EOS R1 at an exclusive event organized by Canon in Austria, and his experience with this groundbreaking camera is a testament to how technology can elevate the art of photography-especially when the wilderness is your canvas.

A Unique Adventure In Austria

Paras’s experience with the EOS R1 began in an unusual setting for a wildlife photographer in a motorsport track in Austria. Canon had invited him and a group of talented photographers to test the EOS R1 at this iconic location. During the normal course of his work in the wild, Paras would be prowling the savannahs or navigating dense jungle foliage. But this time, he found himself in a speeding car, with the camera in hand, capturing the thrill of high-speed action.

“I was lucky enough, or perhaps crazy enough, to take the camera inside the car as it sped around the track,” Paras recalled with a laugh. Surrounded by fellow photographers and videographers, Paras felt both humbled and inspired. “I was surrounded by geniuses in the field, people who were truly magicians with a camera. It was incredible to be part of that experience.” The EOS R1 allowed him to capture panning shots of the racing cars. These were shots that he never imagined he would be able to take, let alone perfect.

The Power of Hybrid Flexibility

Back in his natural element, Paras shared about how the EOS R1 helped him capture scenes that exemplified the rawness of nature. He emphasized how the new hybrid shooting mode was a game-changer. For Paras, who often works alone, the ability to shoot both video and stills simultaneously was transformative. “There are times I’m alone, and I want to capture a moment both as a photograph and as a video. With the EOS R1, I can do that without missing a beat. It’s like having the best of both worlds,” he shared.

The flexibility of switching between video and photo modes seamlessly allows Paras to capture not just a moment, but the essence of that moment from multiple perspectives-an invaluable feature when documenting the unpredictable lives of the wild. He recalled the challenges of photographing cheetah hunts-how he had missed shots for years until he mastered the technique of tracking them at full speed. With the EOS R1, those challenges became less daunting. The advanced autofocus and subject-tracking capabilities will allow him to focus on the art of storytelling rather than worrying about the technicalities of focus.

Patience, Passion, and the Power of Technology

Paras often speaks about the critical role of patience in wildlife photography. On one occasion, he spent 36 hours following a cheetah family, witnessing hunts that yielded no usable shots. “Sometimes it’s part of the trade-you have to be patient,” he noted. With the EOS R1, Paras realized that his patience will be rewarded more often. “The autofocus, the subject tracking-these features made my job so much easier. I could focus on framing, on capturing the emotion and behavior of the animals, rather than worrying about whether my camera would keep up.”

Another crucial aspect of his work is the emotional connection he forms with his subjects. Paras believes that the best wildlife photographs are those that evoke emotion-whether it’s the graceful leap of a leopard or the quiet majesty of a lion at dawn. “I want my photos to make people feel something,” he explained. With the EOS R1’s incredible capabilities, Paras will be able to capture these fleeting moments with precision and clarity. This allowed the emotion of the scene to shine through.

The Evolution of a Photographer

Reflecting on his journey, Paras talked about how Canon’s technology has evolved alongside his career. From the early days with the EOS-1D X Mark II to the leap to mirrorless with the EOS R1, each advancement has made his job easier, allowing him to focus more on creativity. “If you can get something done easily, why not?” he mused. “Technology should make our work easier, allowing us to concentrate on the art. That’s exactly what the EOS R1 does.”

Paras also spoke about his unique style of capturing wildlife in urban environments, blending nature with the urban world. One of his iconic shots features a giraffe with the city skyline in the background, a representation of the intersection between wilderness and modern civilization. “I try to tell a different kind of story by bringing elements of the city into my wildlife work,” Paras explained. “It makes people realize that nature is closer to us than we think.”

Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central & North Africa shared: “At Canon, we are constantly driven by a passion for innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in photography. The EOS R1 is a testament to our commitment to empowering creators like Paras Chandaria, whose work showcases not only the beauty of wildlife but also the importance of capturing the untold stories of our world. The advanced features of the EOS R1, from its eye-controlled autofocus to hybrid shooting mode, offer unparalleled flexibility and precision, enabling photographers to elevate their craft and focus on the art of storytelling. We are proud to support Paras on his creative journey, as he continues to inspire and reimagine the wilderness through his lens.” 

A Camera That Makes You Better

For Paras, the Canon EOS R1 is more than just a tool-it’s a creative partner that helps him elevate his craft. “It’s not just about taking a photo; it’s about capturing a story,” he said. With its advanced features like eye-controlled autofocus, hybrid shooting mode, and the ability to handle the unpredictable nature of wildlife, the EOS R1 has become an integral part of how Paras approaches his work.

The journey of a wildlife photographer is one of constant learning, adapting, and capturing the fleeting beauty of nature. With the Canon EOS R1 in hand, Paras Chandaria is ready to continue telling those stories-one frame at a time.

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