Lifestyle

Wildlife photographer Pranay Patel’s advice to his 5-year old self is nothing but inspiring. Read to know!

Published

5 years ago

December 22, 2020

When we talk about the extremely successful people, there’s one thing which is common among all. It is their willingness and ability to kick-off their career at an early age. At an age of playing with friends, there was one exception who discovered his passion for photography. Pranay Patel is the name who started his professional career as a wildlife photographer at the age of 13. In the year 2011, he made up his mind to become a wildlife photographer. An animal lover since childhood, the talented guy started clicking pictures of animals in his locality including that of dogs, cows and birds. Their movement and body functioning always left this guy in awe of nature’s most beautiful creatures after which he started capturing them through his lenses.

The Ahmedabad-based guy who has spent almost a decade in this field has now become a past master through self-learning in wildlife photography. However, the calling to become a wildlife photographer came when he visited Ranthambore National Park along with his family. Since then, the wildlife enthusiast started clicking pictures of wildlife and built a portfolio of nature and wildlife covering the exotic wildlife of India and other countries of the world including New Zealand, USA, Australia, Kenya, Africa among others. With having done more than 100 safari and sanctuary visits in the last five years, Pranay seems to cover the wildlife from all over the world.

His frequent visits have been to Gir, Tadoba, Ranthambhore, Kabini, Little Rann of Kutch, Blackbuck National Park Velavadar and Thol. However, due to the unfortunate coronavirus pandemic, there have been travel restrictions and Pranay is spending quality time with family at home. Getting his hands-on camera at a very tender age, Patel has learnt all the technicalities and is well-versed with wildlife photography now. He always says that he followed his passion and listened to his heart. With the main goal of representing India on a global level, the photographer through his beautiful clicks has shown the beauty of India’s nature and wildlife.

When asked a piece of advice he would give to his 5-year old self, Pranay came up with a very interesting reply. He said, “I would tell him to cherish the beginnings in photography. Always be a child and be more curious to know about the vast field of photography. Embrace that sense of amazement you have with the world. Click anything that interests you. This is the best time because you don’t worry about the world. Gladly, you still haven’t discovered ‘social media’ yet, which also means that you will be shooting for yourself with all focus on your passion. Make the best of time and have fun while doing that.” Through self-training, Pranay Patel has surely come a long way in his journey. With being an official photographer for Gujarat Tourism, this talented guy has got a lot to achieve in his life. Our best wishes are with Pranay and may he bring India’s wildlife on a global map in the years to come.

Lifestyle

Donnette Russell-Love on How Policy Changes Are Reshaping the Immigrant Experience in America

Published

5 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Michelle Langton

What happens when the rules for chasing the American dream keep changing? For millions of immigrants, the answer is anxiety, confusion, and a constant fight to stay one step ahead of shifting policies that can decide their future overnight.

This is the reality that Donnette Russell-Love, attorney and CEO of Immigration Care Service, faces every day. With a career built on both courtroom experience and compassionate advocacy, she has become a steady guide for individuals and families navigating one of the most unpredictable legal systems in the world.

A Changing Landscape

Over the years, U.S. immigration policy has shifted from being opportunity-driven to increasingly restrictive. Donnette Russell-Love has seen how these changes have reshaped not only the process but also how immigrants are perceived. She believes that leadership plays a major role in setting the tone; each administration influences whether the focus lies on inclusion, enforcement, or deterrence.

Under the current administration, the path to the American dream has become much narrower. There has been a stronger push to limit humanitarian provisions for people fleeing unstable conditions, less tolerance for long-term immigrants with even minor offenses from years ago, and growing efforts to challenge birthright citizenship.

These policies reflect a clear shift in how the United States approaches immigration. For many of her clients, the rules that once offered hope now feel like walls. Yet, her mission remains the same: to help them find a way through, one informed decision at a time.

Guiding Clients Through Constant Change

In an environment where laws and regulations can change faster than people can adapt, Donnette’s approach is built on preparation. She doesn’t just focus on forms and paperwork; she focuses on context. Her process starts with understanding each client’s story, background, and long-term goals. From there, she helps them see not just what’s required legally, but what’s likely to be asked, reviewed, or challenged along the way.

For her, education is the most powerful defense. She believes that informed clients are stronger, calmer, and more confident when facing interviews or hearings. She spends time explaining how new rules apply to their situations and how small details, like old records, travel history, or documentation, can make all the difference.

Her deep understanding of immigration stems not only from her legal training but also from her background in compliance and risk management. These skills have shaped her proactive style, allowing her to anticipate potential issues before they arise. Instead of reacting to policy shifts, she prepares her clients to adapt to them.

Leadership That Balances Law and Humanity

Running a law firm in such a turbulent field requires discipline, empathy, and vision, qualities that Donnette has cultivated over years of leadership. As the head of Immigration Care Service, she manages the balance between legal precision and genuine human care. Her team works closely with clients from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they receive not only sound legal guidance but also emotional support during uncertain times.

She also emphasizes the importance of staying grounded. Her philosophy is that immigration law is not just about policies or procedures, it’s about people. Every case represents a life story, a dream, or a second chance. And while the system may grow more rigid, her role is to help clients see that persistence and preparation can still lead to opportunity.

Moving Forward with Purpose

For Donnette Russell-Love, the work doesn’t end with one case or one victory. It’s about helping her clients understand the bigger picture, that success in immigration is not only about following rules, but about knowing how to navigate them with clarity and confidence.

She recognizes that the path to legal residency or citizenship is harder now than ever before. But her message is one of resilience: knowledge and preparation still open doors.

In a time when immigration policies seem to shift with every election cycle, Donnette’s approach stands out for its steadiness and humanity. She reminds her clients and the broader community that while laws may change, the pursuit of hope, belonging, and a better life remains constant. And with the right guidance, that pursuit is still worth every effort.