Today we’d like to introduce you to Mital Patel.
Hi Mital, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started when I was 12 and handed a camera before a family trip to Asia. I became the unofficial family photographer, capturing memories that turned into a quiet calling. Over time, photography evolved from a hobby into a deeper pursuit.
The real turning point came during a trip to Africa in 2017. Standing in the wild, photographing elephants and lions in their natural habitat, I realized this was more than photography; it was about storytelling, advocacy, and emotional connection. From that moment on, my photography became a tool for conservation.
Since then, I’ve photographed across six continents, partnering with organizations like Ol Pejeta, WildAid, and Tsavo Trust to help protect endangered species. That work also inspired the launch of Tembo Collection, a luxury wearable art brand that merges wildlife photography with fashion and impact. Each piece is designed to tell a story, raise awareness, and give back.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely been a long road. Photography, and really any art form, usually starts as a passion, something you do for creative release. But turning that into something bigger takes time, focus, and sacrifice. You need the right headspace, which often means stepping away from family time or making tough choices to keep creating.
There have been real setbacks. I was once robbed while photographing the Dallas skyline. I’ve poured money into trips and gear with no immediate return, just a belief that the work would eventually lead somewhere. And it’s not just the financial side, it’s the emotional toll of putting your heart into something and not always knowing if it will resonate.
But I often think of the bamboo garden metaphor. You water the soil for years with no visible growth, and then suddenly, one day, it shoots up. That’s what the journey has felt like. A lot of patience. A lot of unseen work. But eventually, growth happens.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a fine art photographer specializing in wildlife, nature, and remote environments, from the polar ice to African savannas to volcanic landscapes. My work is rooted in storytelling. I try to create images that aren’t just visually striking, but emotionally resonant, something that pulls people into a deeper connection with the wild.
I’m probably best known for capturing intimate moments with wildlife, like a lioness whispering to her cub, or the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. These are more than just photographs to me; they’re portraits of dignity, vulnerability, and resilience. I’ve partnered with conservation organizations like Ol Pejeta, WildAid, and Tsavo Trust to use these images to raise awareness, support fundraising, and bring visibility to endangered species and ecosystems.
One of the projects I’m most proud of is Tembo Collection, a luxury wearable art brand I launched that merges my photography with fashion and conservation. Each design tells a story and gives back to wildlife organizations. It’s been amazing to see people wear these pieces and become walking ambassadors for the wild.
What sets my work apart is the balance of emotion, art, and purpose. I don’t just want people to admire the image, I want them to feel something, reflect, and maybe even act. That emotional ripple effect, that’s the real work.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has definitely played a role, both good and bad, but I think it’s less about the luck itself and more about how you respond to it.
I’ve had tough breaks. I’ve been robbed while shooting. I’ve invested in trips that yielded nothing usable. I’ve had images that sat unseen for years before suddenly being recognized. But I’ve also had incredible timing, meeting the right people at the right moment, being in the right place when the light hit just right, or connecting with organizations like Ol Pejeta through a chance conversation that turned into something meaningful.
I try to stay open and prepared. I think of luck as something that shows up when you’ve already put in the work, when you’re consistent, patient, and willing to keep going even when there’s no clear outcome. So yes, luck has played a role, but so has showing up every day, staying curious, and being ready when it finds me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mitalpatelphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitalpatelphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mitalpatelphoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MitalPatelPhoto
- Other: https://www.tembocollection.com
Image Credits
Mital Patel
