Jury Selection | Animal Portraits


Sandeep Das

Jury Selection | Animal Portraits

Nelliyampathy Forest Reserve, Kerala

Heat Tasting

Sandeep captured the flick of an Anamalai Pit Viper's tongue using the rear curtain sync mode, whereby the flash is fired at the end of the exposure, thereby capturing the complete motion trail. Pit vipers stick out their tongue to collect scents, and when drawn back in, it comes in contact with the Jacobson's organ on the roof of the mouth, helping in smell detection.


Sandeep Das

Dr Sandeep Das is a herpetologist from Kerala, currently working as an assistant professor at the Department of Zoology in St. Joseph's College, Thrissur. Sandeep utilises his photography to popularise animals that are seldom appreciated, unlike the larger charismatic animals.