Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)
Udupi, July 4: At just 14 years of age, Vidyun R Hebbar, a native of Udupi and currently a 9th-grade student in Bengaluru, has already earned international recognition for his extraordinary wildlife photography—particularly in the field of macro photography. With a camera in hand and a keen eye for detail, Vidyun captures the tiny wonders of nature, especially insects and spiders—creatures often overlooked or feared.
Vidyun’s journey into photography began when he was only three, inspired by his father, Ravi Prakash S S, an IT professional and wildlife photographer. By the age of six, he had begun using a camera seriously. His mother, Namitha T, a librarian, has also been a strong supporter of his passion.
Largely self-taught, Vidyun has honed his craft by learning through practice and by observing his father. His fascination with macro photography—the art of capturing close-up images of small subjects—has led him to spend countless hours photographing ants, spiders, and insects in Bengaluru’s gardens and parks, as well as in the lush forests around his grandfather’s house in Sringeri in the Western Ghats.
According to his father, one does not need a jungle safari to take exceptional macro photographs. “Even a city park can be full of life if you have patience and an eye for detail,” he says.
Vidyun’s work has won global acclaim. In 2021, he was awarded the prestigious Grand Title of Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year by the Natural History Museum, London—an honour often regarded as the ‘Oscars of Wildlife Photography’. His winning image, capturing a spider’s web set against a busy urban street with an auto rickshaw, beautifully portrayed the contrast between nature and city life.
Although COVID-19 restrictions prevented him from attending the 2021 award ceremony, Vidyun was later invited to the award’s 60th-year celebration and even visited 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British prime minister, as a guest of honour.
His accolades include:
- Highly Commended Winner (10 years and under category) in 2020 and 2021
- Special Mention at Nature inFocus in 2023
- Finalist in the MontPhoto 2024 competition (Changing Planet category)
- Three shortlisted entries in Close-up Photographer of the Year 2024
Beyond photography, Vidyun has a passion for drones. He builds and flies custom drones, with one of his favourites being the FlyFishRC Volador VX3.5. He is also exploring drone videography to tell visual stories. When not immersed in photography, Vidyun enjoys reading. His favourite books include Tintin, The Hardy Boys, and adventure novels by Rick Riordan.
At school, his classmates are often surprised by his interest in photographing spiders. While many are fearful of them, Vidyun uses the opportunity to educate others on the vital ecological roles that insects and spiders play. “Many people kill spiders without realising how important they are to our environment,” he says. He hopes his images can help change such perceptions.
While macro photography can be expensive due to the need for specialised lenses, lighting, and software, Vidyun believes that anyone can begin with whatever they have—even a smartphone. “What matters is your vision, not your equipment,” he says.
Vidyun aspires to become a professional wildlife photographer or filmmaker. He is optimistic about the many opportunities available in India—from conducting workshops and selling photos to storytelling through nature documentaries.
He has also experimented with street photography and has captured major events, including the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh. But his first love remains nature. He believes that light is the most essential element in nature photography and avoids using flash to protect animals, preferring to capture their natural beauty during sunrise or sunset.
Watch the interview: