Q. You shot the award-winning image in your backyard. Tell us how the shot happened.
A. The Green Vine Snake is one of my favourite subjects. They are more visible pre and during monsoon seasons in my hometown/village. Normally, they camouflage beautifully in cluttered green plants; however I spotted this snake on an isolated plant. After shooting a few portraits from the usual side angles, I shot this frame of the snake with popping eyes, from behind.

Raviprakash SS World Photographer of the Year winner

Q. What do you think worked in favour as far as this frame goes? What was the X-factor that helped you win this award?
A. The snake’s crystal clear popping eyes and a unique angle were the X-factors. Shallow depth of field and a clean green background also blended nicely to offer a good result, overall. I feel proud when I hear from experts that this is a very unique angle as far as capturing snakes go.

Q. You’ve said in earlier interviews that being an IT professional, photography is a weekend hobby. Did you imagine winning such a prestigious award?
A. I had dreamt but not imagined winning such an award! It was one of my mentors Shankar Kiragi, who felt that my picture — Pure Magic belongs there. I submitted my best pictures based on this encouragement. The imagining began when seven of my 18 images made it to the final round of judging. The dream became a reality when I received an email from WPY stating that I was the winner in the Amphibians and Reptiles category! To my surprise, I got another mail saying ‘Pure Magic’ had been shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award. It was the icing on the cake.