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Indian-origin photographer gets GOLD at World Nature Photography Awards

UK-based Malini Chandrasekar captured the award-winning image, ‘Svalbard,’ during her recent trip to the Arctic.

Malini Chandrasekar and her award-winning picture ‘Svalbard’ / Instagram

Malini Chandrasekar has been awarded GOLD in the ‘Animals in Their Habitat’ category at the 2025 World Nature Photography Awards. 

Chandrasekar is a London-based wildlife and nature photographer with almost two decades of experience in the creative industry. Born in Madras, India, she has lived in various cities, including Bombay, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Wellington, before settling in London. Her diverse background enriches her artistic perspective, blending her graphic design expertise with her passion for wildlife photography.

Her winning image, Svalbard, was captured during a recent trip to the Arctic. “I wanted to explore a different perspective in my photography, using a wide-angle lens to connect the animal with its environment,” she shared. “When we spotted a walrus resting on the ice under moody skies, I used my 14-30mm lens at 18mm to frame the scene and create a stronger emotional connection.”

Sharing the news on social media, Chandrasekar wrote, “I’m beyond honored to win GOLD at the 2025 World Nature Photography Awards! My image, ‘Svalbard,’ captures Willy the Walrus in his frozen world—a moment that reflects both the beauty and fragility of his home.”

Her work is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, aiming to evoke calm and reflect the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. She often seeks to capture the unpredictability of wildlife, striving to present unique perspectives that inspire conversations about conservation. Her approach marries her graphic design skills with photography, creating clean and minimal compositions that highlight the opulence of the natural world. 

Chandrasekar's work has been recognized on prestigious platforms, including a 2024 feature by Saint Leone for her evocative nature photography. She also received an Honorable Mention in the Fine Art Photography Awards for The Black and White of the Red List, highlighting the vulnerability of Atlantic Puffins.

The winners of this year’s 2025 World Nature Photography Awards were announced on Feb. 22, recognizing extraordinary nature photography across 14 categories. Chandrasekar’s image stood out for its powerful composition and ability to highlight the delicate balance of wildlife and their changing habitats.

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