In an age dominated by AI- generated images and mobile photo edits, there stands a passionate photographer who believes in the purity of real visuals captured through dedication and patience. This extraordinary individual is Prakash Desai – an Indian-origin wildlife photographer now settled in the United States. His commitment to his craft is so profound that he has driven 5,000 Km. One way five times during the last decades..from USA to Canada and venturing deep into forest , coastal area and desert, including National parks to capture breathtaking shots of nature & wildlife. In 2015 August.Trip was made to NewZealand.
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Born in Santrampur, Panchmahal and originally belonging to Bhadeli, Bulsar in Gujarat, Desai completed his high school in Bilimora and pursued science at Bombay University. In 1966, he moved to the United States and later earned a BS in Petroleum Engineering from Texas in 1970, followed by graduate studies in Business Administration from the University of Chicago. In 1980, he married Dr. Geeta Desai (Ph.D.), and together they began working in the Texas oil industry in 1981.
Despite a professional life rooted in engineering and business, Desai’s heart was always drawn toward photography. What began as a simple hobby after purchasing his first camera gradually evolved into a lifelong passion. With time, he found himself increasingly fascinated by nature photography. During his visits to India, he would travel to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, and after 18 years of relentless patience, he finally captured a rare photograph of a tigress – one of the most rewarding moments of his journey.
Recently, his striking photographs were showcased in a major exhibition in India, and another exhibition is soon set to open in Vadodara. Over the years, Desai has taken part in workshops and seminars conducted by iconic professional photographers like Galen Rowell, John Shaw, Willard Clay, and George Lepp. He joined photography clubs, earned several awards, and travelled across national parks in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, and India to capture mesmerizing landscapes, wildlife, and rare birds.
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His passion for wildlife photography is so intense that he often lives inside national parks to photograph the natural world from dawn to dusk. Every year, he spends six months in Vadodara and travels extensively across India – Leh-Ladakh, Sikkim, Nainital-Kausani, Kerala, the Northeast, Himachal Pradesh, Sasan Gir, Velavadar, and the Rann of Kutch- capturing the raw beauty of nature. He journeys with his wife Geeta, often singing along the way, as they chase sunrises and sunsets with remarkable dedication.
Desai has always rejected any type of image editing software , relying instead on countless cameras, evolving lenses, and sheer skill to create images that speak for themselves. His work has earned him much recognition, but it is his unwavering passion that truly sets him apart.
It may be hard to believe, but Prakash Desai is 80 years old – yet his enthusiasm remains as youthful as ever. His spirit, commitment, and love for the natural world continue to inspire. While he manages his oil-field service business under the name Ohm Tech Inc., the photographer within him constantly leads him back to the wilderness, where he creates timeless frames that will remain alive for generations.
