Stars – dreamy and captivating, they evoke a longing in many of us to reach out and touch them. Imagine a setting: a sky overflowing with twinkling stars, where it’s just you and your camera, capturing the breathtaking magic of the universe. Sounds dreamy, right? While this vision may seem distant for many, some dare to turn dreams into reality. Meet Jhankrit Ahuja, a 25-year-old astrophotographer who is chasing the stars, quite literally.
Jhankrit’s awe-inspiring journey began in 2014 during a family trip when he first held his uncle’s DSLR camera. What started as a simple fascination quickly transformed into a deep passion for capturing the universe.
Chasing The Stars: The Inspiring Journey Of Jhankrit Ahuja
From photographing the Andromeda Galaxy, the nearest major galaxy to our Milky Way, to photographing the ethereal Aurora Borealis in Ladakh on four separate occasions, Jhankrit is not only recognizing the beauty of our universe but is also inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Living by Winston Churchill’s poignant quote, “Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision,” Jhankrit pursued journalism at Delhi University. His eye for detail and a spark of creativity led him to a realization that would change his life forever.
One day, while navigating through the campus, he stumbled upon an image that summarized storytelling through photography. It was in that moment that he decided he would capture not just moments, but stories, through his lens, and there was no turning back.
Passion Became Profession, And The First Step Was Learning Deeply About The Subject
Jhankrit explored various photography styles, from still photography and sports to weddings. However, his heart led him to the stars, where he would capture celestial wonders one frame at a time. What makes Jhankrit’s journey even more extraordinary is that he is a self-taught astrophotographer.
Reflecting on his initial foray into this challenging field, he shares, “When I decided to pursue astrophotography, I engrossed myself in study for three months – blogs, YouTube videos, tutorials. I made it my mission to learn everything I could about the subject.”
Knowledge played a crucial role in sharpening his skills, as he believed that understanding your subject not only improved the creative process but also opened routes for experimentation. It’s this quest for understanding that drove him into the great unknown of astrophotography.
First Trip To Ladakh In 2021, Changed Everything, But That Was Just The Beginning
In 2021, Jhankrit ventured on his first-ever expedition to Ladakh, home to India’s first dark sky reserve in Hanle. Capturing the stars in such untouched surroundings was akin to living a dream for many, and Jhankrit was determined to make it a reality.
After a long flight and a bus ride, he found himself in the cold, vast desert of Ladakh, set against the backdrop of a million shining stars. During this journey, he faced symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). While it was a challenge, Jhankrit stayed committed, battling severe headaches in pursuit of his passion.
Reflecting on that transformative experience, he recalls, “Theory is all good, but when you do things practically, that’s where reality hits you. I was scared; it was my first time in such a cold region. Yet, the curiosity and determination to capture the stars fueled my motivation.”
Once he captured the stunning beauty of a starry sky, Jhankrit’s passion for astrophotography only amplified. What began as a rugged journey filled with challenges and learning in 2021 evolved into an annual tradition. Month after month, year after year, he found himself returning to Ladakh, capturing celestial phenomena that many only dream of witnessing. Ladakh became his second home, a place where every moment was filled with inspiration.
The Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step
As he honed his craft, Jhankrit learned to embrace the very darkness he once feared. Initially, he started taking pictures on his phone and a basic camera, and gradually built his equipment kit piece by piece. “When I decided to pursue astrophotography, I began with basic gear. Over time, as my pursuit to capture the universe grew, I invested in workshops and upgraded my equipment. It doesn’t matter if you start with fancy tools; what matters is a solid foundation in theory, the willingness to adapt, and the eagerness to learn.”
Astrophotography Lets You Capture The Stars While Testing The limits Of Your Own Endurance
Astrophotography is no simple task; it tests not only your physical endurance but also your self-awareness. Jhankrit has survived temperatures plunging to -36 degrees Celsius just to photograph the stars. His ability to fight such harsh conditions stems from rigorous training, both mental and physical. Jhankrit drew inspiration from various figures, including Farhan Akhtar, who is known to take up several challenges and endure pain for all his roles and his own family, to push the boundaries of his journey.
Aurora Magic In 2024
Having made the captivating Milky Way a regular subject of his photography, in 2024, he achieved a remarkable milestone – capturing the majestic Aurora Borealis in Ladakh four out of five times. The long hours spent waiting in extreme cold at the Khardungla Pass and Hanle paid off with stunning images that seemed to dance across the night sky.
He is the only photographer in India to have captured the Aurora four out of five times in Ladakh.
Jhankrit Ahuja’s journey is a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and creativity. From the initial dare to step outside his comfort zone to achieving incredible milestones in astrophotography, he continues to remind us that with courage, knowledge, and passion, we can pursue our own dreams and reach for the stars. His story not only inspires aspiring photographers but also encourages everyone to embrace their uniqueness and follow their passions, no matter how distant they may seem.
Note For Budding Photographers
With a warm smile, he encourages those just starting: “Dive in! Research your subject thoroughly. Understanding the theory and sharpening your technical knowledge is crucial, but don’t let the gear overwhelm you. You can always upgrade your equipment later. And remember, if you ever feel stuck or have questions, reach out to me. I’m here to help guide you on your journey.”
From a young age, Jhankrit embraced challenges, developing a passion for exploration that has led him to the enchanting world of astrophotography. He hosts workshops that reveal the mysteries of the Milky Way, teaching others how to capture its beauty. These sessions are not just lessons; they’re immersive experiences that ignite curiosity and creativity.
As the conversation draws to a close, Jhankrit shares a piece of wisdom that resonates deeply: “Like anything, astrophotography can be tough. But it’s the determination not to give up, to see every challenge as a life lesson, that makes this field and life itself so exciting.”
With a camera in hand, he journeys through the night sky of Ladakh, capturing breathtaking images of the Milky Way, stunning star trails, shooting comets, and the mesmerizing dance of the auroras. At just 25 years old, this dedicated astrophotographer shows us that everyone has their unique universe to explore; you just need to learn how to capture it.
