About

A birder who photographs

Dr. Malith Nandasena has spent years learning to look closely. The photographs are what that looks like.

You've seen the world. But have you really?

Dr. Nandasena is an avid birder whose photographic work covers all the endemic bird species of Sri Lanka. That is not a quick thing to do. Some of these birds keep to the high canopy of old rainforest; others come out only at the edge of daylight, in ravines most visitors never see.

His broader collection takes the same way of working to the wildlife of Africa and Alaska. The subjects are larger and the landscapes wider, but the method does not change: arrive early, stay late, and keep looking after everyone else has stopped.

What the work asks for

Curiosity

Every bird begins with a question. Why here, why this tree, why at this hour?

Patience

The good photographs arrive late, usually after the moment when it seemed reasonable to leave.

Observation

Knowing the bird comes first. The picture is the record of having paid attention.

The canopy of Sinharaja rainforest

Prints, publishing and collaboration

Collectors, publishers, curators and conservation groups are welcome to get in touch.