The interviews and reporting for this story were conducted in September 2024.

Wildlife, nature, and cameras captivated Shreyovi Mehta from the time she was a baby. Her parents didn’t need storybooks; their adventures in the wild provided endless material for the most exciting bedtime stories.

Before she even learned to walk, Shreyovi was already joining her father, a wildlife photographer, on trips to national parks and safaris. Surrounded by camera gear and naturalists, she likely heard the names of animals and tips for the perfect shot before learning her ABCs!

It’s no surprise, then, that she developed an early fascination with cameras and yearned to hold one as far back as she can remember. At just two years old, she got her chance — thanks to her parents, who run a wildlife photography tourism company called Nature Wanderers.

As a child, Shreyovi Mehta accompanied her parents, Kahini and Shivang, on many trips to national parks. She grew up immersed in wildlife, from the lush landscapes of Corbett and Bharatpur to an unforgettable visit to Masai Mara at just four years old.

She would watch her father, a wildlife photographer, drape his professional camera around their shoulders, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to capture animals in their natural habitat.

At the age of two, Shreyovi’s father let her touch his DSLR for the first time — a moment she still vividly recalls eight years later. She even remembers it happened during a trip to Ranthambore National Park.

Fast forward seven years, and at nine years old, Shreyovi clicked a stunning photograph of two peahens at Keoladeo National Park. That photo went on to become the runner-up in the........

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