“Scars of the Forest Giant” Sets a Benchmark for Nature Photography in 2025

Photographer, nature educator, and storyteller Vikram Vyawahare has been awarded the Gold Award in Nature & Experimental Photography – Textured & Composite at the Best Photography Awards UK 2025 Autumn Season for his evocative work Scars of the Forest Giant.

This striking image—focused not on the full form of an elephant, but on the intimate textures of its tusks and trunk—captures a profound narrative about time, memory, and coexistence. Rather than presenting wildlife through spectacle, Vikram’s photograph reads like an entry from an ancient archive: a portrait written not with light alone, but with the accumulated marks of a life lived in the wild.

Through Scars of the Forest Giant, Vikram continues his mission at Vana Bhashi—a storytelling platform amplifying the voices of naturalists, the ones who “speak the language of the forest.” His work reframes wildlife photography not merely as observation, but as a dialogue with those who have dedicated their lives to understanding nature’s rhythms.

Q1 – Could you share the background and setting of this award-winning photo?

Vikram: This image was taken in Munnar, Kerala, during the filming of Vana Bhashi, a series that celebrates the stories of naturalists and their deep connection with the wild. That morning, my friends and I received a call from Hadlee Renjeet of Resplendent Experiences, who mentioned a possible elephant sighting across the ridges. Within minutes, we were on our way, moving through tea estates and rocky slopes.

To our surprise, the elephant turned out to be Padayappa, the legendary tusker of Munnar, known and loved by locals for his calm yet commanding presence. Guided by Hadlee, we approached with care, ensuring we maintained distance and followed every wildlife ethic. When Padayappa finally appeared from behind the terrain, standing tall against the green expanse, it felt like witnessing time itself, a being who has roamed these hills long before plantations and roads ever existed.

Q2 – Is there a particular detail in this photo that you especially love?

Vikram: Yes, what I love most is that the frame focuses only on Padayappa’s tusks and trunk. It is a minimal composition, but to me, that is where his story truly lives. The trunk is worn and marked with scratches from years of rubbing against trees and navigating dense forest paths. Those lines and textures are like a living record of time and experience. The gentle curve of the tusk and the way his trunk rests upon it speak of age, wisdom, and quiet authority. That single detail carries the entire soul of Munnar’s wild, and that is what I wanted the image to express.

Q3 – Did you have any specific inspiration or artistic concept in mind during the creation?

Vikram: The inspiration came from both Padayappa’s legend and Hadlee’s presence as a naturalist. Padayappa’s name comes from the famous Rajinikanth film, and like the actor’s iconic pose, this tusker rests his trunk on one tusk as he walks, calm, composed, and full of character. Artistically, I wanted to convey the emotion of proximity without intrusion, to capture a moment that feels deeply personal yet respectful of the wild. It was also my way of letting the image speak of something larger, how every wrinkle, every tusk mark, and every gesture holds a history of coexistence between humans and elephants in Munnar’s landscape.

Q4 – What do you hope viewers will feel or reflect upon when they see this photo?

Vikram: I hope viewers feel a sense of reverence and reflection, not just admiration for an elephant’s beauty but recognition of what it represents. Padayappa has lived through changing landscapes, from forests to monoculture estates. He is a reminder that conservation is not only about protection but about understanding continuity.

I want people to think about coexistence, the kind that naturalists like Hadlee Renjeet embody every day. Through his guidance, I learned that to see an elephant is one thing, but to understand its world is something else entirely. If this photo evokes even a moment of quiet respect for that world, I will consider it a success.

Q5 – Would you like to share your website, biography, photos, and any social media links for showcasing and promotion?

Vikram: Yes, I would love to. This photograph and story are part of my ongoing initiative called Vana Bhashi, a storytelling series that amplifies the voices of naturalists and their deep understanding of the landscapes they protect. The term Vana Bhashi translates to “People who speak the language of the forest,” and through this platform, we aim to bring authentic stories from the wild to audiences across the world.

At its heart, Vana Bhashi is about reconnecting people to nature through those who live closest to it. It is a bridge between science, storytelling, and emotion, showing how naturalists are the true interpreters of our planet’s living language.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/vanabhashi

Hadlee Renjeet: https://www.instagram.com/resplendentexperiences

Vikram Vyawahare is a nature educator, storyteller, and photographer, and the Founder of Vana Bhashi, which means “people who speak the language of the forest.” His work focuses on bridging the gap between people and the natural world by highlighting the voices of naturalists and field experts who live in deep harmony with the landscapes they protect. Through his photography and storytelling, Vikram strives to celebrate coexistence, patience, and the quiet wisdom of the wild, creating authentic narratives that inspire a deeper connection with nature.