An ophthalmologist’s photography quest brings ‘Pristine’ imagery

The online photo exhibition covers three different unexplored locations namely Arctic Circle, Iceland (2010); Antelope Canyon, Arizona USA (2010; and the Great Namib Desert, Namibia 2015

Updated: September 17, 2021 18:48 IST

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The beauty of nature is unbelievable. Capturing some of it in his photographs is Dr Navin Sakhuja, an ophthalmologist; Antelope Canyon, Arizona USA, 2010 (Source: Dr Navin Sakhuja)

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The online photography exhibition -- Pristine -- covers three different unexplored locations namely the Arctic Circle, Iceland (2010); Antelope Canyon, Arizona USA (2010; and the Great Namib Desert, Namibia 2015; Antelope Canyon, Arizona USA, 2010 (Source: Dr Navin Sakhuja)

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The exhibition is on view till September 19, 2021 on http://www.iicdelhi.in; Deadvlei, Great Namib Desert Namibia 2015 (Source: Dr Navin Sakhuja)

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A self-taught photographer, Dr Sakhuja has been passionate about photography since 1990, with a preference for wildlife and untouched natural habitats; deep south Iceland, 2012 (Source: Dr Navin Sakhuja)

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He has held several critically acclaimed solo photo-exhibitions shot in Cambodia, Burma, Arizona (sponsored by Discovery Network), Iceland and Namibia; deep south Iceland, 2012 (Source: Dr Navin Sakhuja)

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"I can only try and describe what I saw, although I know I cannot do justice to the amazing spectacles to which I was witness. This photo essay covers three different visits over the last 10 years, the only common thread being ‘Pristine’," Dr Sakhuja said in a press release; Antelope Canyon, Arizona USA, 2010 (Source: Dr Navin Sakhuja)

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According to Dr Sakhuja, "at latitude 64°N, just a couple of degrees south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is unique, a destination without comparison, neither relenting nor accommodating the visitor, just demanding respect for being what it is—one of the toughest but most interesting places in the world to photograph"; Jokusarlon Beach Iceland, 2012 (Source: Dr Navin Sakhuja)

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The Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world, anywhere between 55 and 80 million years old—so old that it is home to the largest number of uniquely endemic species, and so dry that tyre tracks left by jeeps and trucks have remained practically fresh after several decades; Dust storm in Great Namib Namibia 2015 (Source: Dr Navin Sakhuja)

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Grand canyons, also known as slot canyons because of the thin cracks in the canyon roof which allows in slivers of the blazing Arizona sunlight, are widely accepted to be amongst the most beautiful, natural architectural features in the world; Antelope Canyon, Arizona USA, 2010 (Source: Dr Navin Sakhuja)

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Dr Sakhuja noted in his essay that slot canyons, typically, are much deeper than they are wide. But some are so narrow that you can touch both walls with your arms outstretched. Others are much wider, like large rooms that suddenly change in shape and size as you twist and turn round the next corner. You have no idea what to expect beyond a few yards; Antelope Canyon, Arizona USA, 2010 (Source: Dr Navin Sakhuja)

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The photographs were first published in the IIC Quarterly, Autumn 2017 issue; Great Namib Desert, Namibia, 2015 (Source: Dr Navin Sakhuja)

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On blending opthamalogy and photography, Dr Sakhuja mentioned, "The truth is that while ophthalmology and photography are all about perceiving light in the best way possible, there are several ways of seeing. Over the years, as I have wielded the camera, I know I have imbued my photographs with my own core. The eye looks through the lens, of course, but it is the mind which impels the finger to trigger the shutter; Jokusarlon Beach, Iceland, 2012 (Source: Dr Navin Sakhuja)

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He calls the opportunity to do both a "twice blessing". "I know that the perfect photograph has never been taken and the perfect eye surgery has never been performed. To have the opportunity to attempt both—I believe I am twice blessed," he mentioned; Namibia, 2015 (Source: Dr Navin Sakhuja)