Saswat Panda is a nature photographer, educator, and environmental advocate based in Atlanta, Georgia. Known for his engaging teaching style and evocative wildlife photography, Saswat is passionate about making nature accessible, inspiring, and meaningful for everyone. Whether he is working with seasoned hikers, aspiring naturalists, or urban youth experiencing the outdoors for the first time, his goal is to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Saswat holds a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Georgia. Early in his career, he worked in nonprofit outreach programs focused on connecting underserved communities with Georgia’s parks, forests, and wild habitats. Over time, he realized that photography offered a powerful way to extend that mission. He began using his camera to document ecological stories and eventually transitioned into a full-time photography and education career.
His photography has been featured in Smithsonian Magazine, Outdoor Photographer, and various conservation publications. His fieldwork has taken him from Georgia’s coastal plains to the Arctic Circle, capturing diverse ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. Saswat regularly partners with schools, museums, state parks, and nature centers to lead hands-on workshops and speak on topics such as biodiversity, ecological storytelling, and citizen science.
His work focuses on quiet moments in nature, emphasizing respect, observation, and human connection with the environment. He is particularly drawn to stories about community-led conservation efforts and the cultural ties between people and place.
Saswat is currently completing Still Wild, a long-term photo project documenting efforts to restore native species and protect endangered habitats throughout the American South.