| "What Karnataka offers adventure-travellers, especially wildlife enthusiasts, is well known. But what is not known is the fact that about 80 wildlife photographers have made this state their home. TNA Perumal is one of them. As one of India’s most successful and acclaimed photographers, stories abound of this humble man who redefined the art of wildlife photography. Tales of how he would walk into the wilderness or a lake nearby and spend the whole day looking for photo opportunities or how he would study his subject intensely and never give up continue to inspire others." |
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Thanjavur Nateshacharya Ayyam Perumal was born on November 15, 1932 at Thanjavur, the seat of Tamil culture, art, and music. His father was a goldsmith who unfortunately passed away early on in Perumal’s life leaving his family bankrupt. Always fond of electronics, photography, and reading real life hunting stories, it was by chance that he came across the book, ‘Man Eater of Kumaon’ by Jim Corbett. This set the ball in motion and thus began his life long rendezvous with nature and wildlife. After meeting several hunters and accompanying them, Perumal realised however that he could never indulge in the same. His interests gradually shifted to photography. On one such trip he happened to meet famous photographer O C Edwards. Edwards taught him the tricks of the trade and passed on his love of bird photography. “We used to go on bicycle rides to various sanctuaries,” says Perumal.
In 1961, he joined the Mysore Photography Society, which counted stalwarts like Rajagopal, D Thomas, and of course Edwards among its members. Perumal worked with Edwards for two memorable, educative years. At the end of which, Edwards gifted Perumal his first professional camera, the Rolleicord II TLR.
The images that followed speak for themselves and are filled with his passion and love for his subjects and an acute mastery of technique and skill. As he says, “A good wildlife photograph is one that portrays the animal best, in its natural habitat and ambience, living its natural life. Capturing its movements, character and mood with good composition, colour fidelity, lighting, tonal rendition, tonal delineation and tonal harmony make it infinitely better.”
Perumal was awarded an honorary fellowship of the Federation of Indian Photography along with the Life Time Achievement Award from the Academy of Visual Media. He also has an honorary fellowship of the Butterfly Art foundation, Kerala.
Currently he involves himself in sharing his knowledge through workshops and lectures. |
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