Kaush Subramaniam | Conservation Biologist | Wildlife Cameraman | UK
@Kaushman is a conservation biologist and avid photographer based in London UK. With a passion for wildlife and conservation, Kaush has conducted fieldwork projects in several diverse environments, ranging from South African scrubland to the Maldivian coral reefs. After gaining his MSc in wildlife conservation he became an Advanced Open Water diver and took his talents to the Ocean. Under the surface he captures his relationship with the marine world using only a GoPro, experiencing every moment without the distraction of a big camera.
Kaush is our OCL Storyteller Grant 2022 ‘Inspire’ category winner. His story follows a young man, raised in a community that is afraid of the ocean but so dependant on it for their livelihoods. The majority of people are unable to swim and drownings are an agonising part of daily life. One young and budding conservationist is bucking the trend, drawn to the ocean and the amazing life within it, Bento Nhamassua is a 21 year old from Jangamo Bay in Mozambique who is sharing his passion for the ocean with his community.This story follows Bento on his journey to change local perceptions about the ocean, as he teaches the new generations to be able to swim and interact with the water safely, as well as his mission to improve the sustainability of fishing in the area.
Be sure to keep an eye out for this incredible story, which is due to air by the end of 2022.
“The collection of images in this gallery are more than pictures on paper, they are memories, feelings and thoughts. I hope to convey some of those feelings and passion into your homes through my work.
I try to combine my passion for photography with my conservation biology and hard sciences educational background. Using photography as a medium to bring attention to the plight of countless species that are on the edge of extinction.”
What is a typical day like for you?
At the moment I am mainly at home working on my new small business as well as content creation.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Watching the discovery channel and natural history documentaries. Visiting city farms and London Zoo in order to see animals which were otherwise a rarity, growing up in the suburbs.
What/who currently inspires you?
Growing up Steve Irwin was a huge inspiration and his children have followed in his footsteps, providing inspiration and motivation. Asha de Vos is someone who more recently has provided a source of inspiration for me, as someone who comes from the same small island as my family and who has gone on to be at the forefront of cetacean conservation.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I initially went to vet school but realised that my passion lied more with in-field work and wildlife conservation. As such, I completed an MSc in Wildlife Conservation.
What do you value most in life?
Freedom and the ability to travel and work wherever/whenever. Something that has been tested this past year.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
Deforestation and the polluting of waterways and the ocean, as well as shark finning and unsustainable fishing practices.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
Forbidden Forest, Jane, The Ivory Game and The Cove.
What brings you the most joy?
Being in the field with wildlife, filming/documenting their natural behaviours and sharing those wonders with people that would otherwise never have a chance to see them.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
“To have inspired and educated people young and old to help protect the environment and the creatures that we share the world with.”
