Chance encounter with squirrel helped dropout find his calling

MALAYSIANSKINI | Having faced expulsion from school three times and navigated numerous job changes, Mohan Raj Nair’s life took an unexpected turn with a chance encounter at Kranji Garden in Singapore.

While shooting for a short film during the Covid-19 pandemic, he serendipitously spotted a squirrel in a tree, prompting him to seize the moment through his camera lens.

Little did he know that that fortuitous event would set him on an adventurous path, ultimately leading him to become the multi-award-winning wildlife photographer he is today.

“My friend and I were sitting in the garden one cloudy morning. We were brainstorming ideas for the short film that we were working on at that time. I saw a squirrel and my friend encouraged me to take photos of it,” the shutterbug recalled.

“That was the start of everything for me.”

Zero to one

After being engrossed with the bushy-tailed animal, Mohan refused to pass up on the opportunity to hone his skills.

“I started doing my research on YouTube on the types of cameras and lenses. When I saved enough money, I bought my first big lens.

“Since the ‘circuit breaker’ (lockdown) was implemented during the height of the pandemic (in Singapore) in 2020, I had nothing to do... So, I took my camera to the forest to document the wildlife.

“I was lucky enough to meet other experienced photographers on those trips, and they shared with me tips and tricks on how to take better shots.”

The 30-year-old did not stop at that.

Understanding that the crux of wildlife photography is all about capturing the natural behaviour of animals and their movements, he took the initiative to research them.

Having loved animals from a young age, Mohan said the learning process was delightful.

“I read about all types of animals - elephants, birds, snakes, you name it. I personally like photographing snakes. I learned about the different species of snake, their movements and how to keep myself safe.

“I kept upgrading myself, I didn’t want to stop. I continued going to risky places to capture the wildlife.”

After a year full of blood, sweat and tears, Mohan had polished his photography skills and was eager to unveil his newfound talent to the world.

He garnered his first international recognition through a photo he captured of a southern pig-tailed baby macaque suckling on its mother. The photo landed him the Best Photos Award at the 8th 35Awards National Photography Award in 2022.

He also clinched the Top 7 Wildlife Photographer Award by Tobuovimaan India 2021 as well as the IPA Nature and Wildlife Photography Award 2021.

His photos and photography journey were also featured on Canon Malaysia, thereby further etching his name as an illustrious figure in the realm of wildlife photography.

“Canon featured a photograph I took of a wild grey crowned crane in Singapore. It’s the national bird of Uganda.

“I waited for a month just to take photos of the beautiful bird. That is one of the most memorable photos I have taken so far.

“My 12-year-old self would never have imagined becoming an award-winning photographer,” he said with a smile.

Not all rosy

It was not all sunshine and roses during Mohan’s younger years.

Born and bred in Taiping, Perak, Mohan recalled hardships during his adolescent years when he was expelled from school thrice.

“When I was 12, I broke my leg and was on an extended medical leave from school. It slipped my mind to inform the school of my condition and when I returned, they informed me that I was already expelled for being absent for so long.

“My father then asked me to apply to study in a school in Kedah, and I did. But I’m a daddy’s boy. I missed my father so much when we were away from each other. Due to my leg injury, it was also very difficult for me to cycle to school. I started playing truant and was subsequently expelled for the second time.

“I then returned to Taiping and at that time I was already in Form Four but I had lost interest in studies and I became a rebellious teen, which led to me being expelled again. But I sat for the SPM as an independent candidate,” he divulged.

On his father’s suggestion, the eldest of three siblings sought better opportunities in neighbouring Singapore.

Mohan first secured a job as a salesperson at a clothing store but later transitioned to work as a wholesaler.

However, that didn’t last as burnout from working long hours forced him to quit and return to Malaysia.

“I tried my luck at being a TNB contractor as well as a boiler technician but those jobs were too difficult for me.

“At that time, a friend introduced me to a delivery rider job in Singapore. I gave it a shot... but having undergone two leg operations, the job took a physical toll on me as I had to ride a bicycle for long hours,” he said.

He then explored becoming a security guard, which required him to face numerous tests such as oral assessments to meet the requirements for the security licence.

This presented a difficulty for Mohan, who grappled with spoken and written English.

Overcoming the hurdle with determination, he completed a qualification course in Johor while supporting himself by selling cartoon sketches on the streets.

In 2015, he secured a job as a security guard in Singapore and has steadily climbed the ranks since.

“I am now a security trainer, where I train new security officers and deploy them to their respective departments.”

Dreams of a life through a lens

While he does not have plans to quit his day job anytime soon, Mohan dreams of one day becoming a full-time travel wildlife photographer.

“I want to bring aspiring photographers from country to country, exploring safaris across the world. From there, I can live my dream and make money at the same time.

“I couldn’t give a good name to my father through studies. But hopefully, through my passion and hard work in wildlife photography, I’ll be able to do so. I want to make them proud,” he said.

He also offered a word of encouragement to those considering venturing into photography but are wary of unchartered territory.

“Just follow your passion, it will bring you to the right place and right time. You are never too young or too old to learn photography,” he concluded.

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