Natural World: The Mountains of the Monsoon

Check out this excellent documentary about Indian wildlife photographer Sandesh Kadur. His shots are outstanding. The iPlayer link works until 13th March. It's definitely worth watching - he's a great photographer and it's a very well produced programme.

"Indian environmentalist and photographer, Sandesh Kadur, has traded a comfortable career in the family business to explore the natural wonders of the Western Ghats mountains. 

Just a few hours drive from the commercial bustle of his native Bangalore, Sandesh could be a world away. The monsoon pours six metres of rainfall each year on the remote peaks and isolated valleys of the Ghats. Alongside familiar Indian species like elephants, tigers and peacocks are more mysterious creatures that are not found anyhere else - a purple frog with a face like a shrew and a monkey with a lion-like mane and tail. 

Most intriguing of all, there is a chance sighting of a grey big cat, unlike anything scientists have seen before. To find out whether this enigmatic cat-in-the-ghat really is a new species, Sandesh must climb to the summit of these mountains. His journey is a reminder that in fast-track, modern India, this cloud-wrapped wilderness is more precious than ever."

• Natural World: The Mountains of the Monsoon on iPlayer
  

Free Photos?

If you've got an account on Flickr or on any other large photo-sharing site, you'll probably have been contacted by people asking to use a photo of yours for nothing. Thomas Hawk blogs about it here: Should You Give Away Your Photos For Nothing To People Who Can Pay?

I totally agree with his post. Here are some examples of mine:

• Eurostar: wanted it for nothing, didn't even reply when I enquired what they would pay
  
• Watford Museum: as this is non-profit, and I live in Watford, I agreed. This led to work from Watford Council. Watford Museum were absolutely brilliant to deal with.
  
• Construct Ireland: didn't offer to pay but when I brought the subject up, agreed to it without a problem.
  
• Numerous wildlife charities and research organisations: These all get them for nothing.

I urge you - even if you're agreeing to give it away - to make clear the terms of your license. If they have asked for it for a leaflet, make it clear that you are granting a license just for that one usage.