Remembering Macro Photographer K Jayaram on His First Death Anniversary

K Jayaram, a renowned Nature and macro photographer, passed away a year ago, with his first death anniversary observed on July 2. Jayaram’s residence at 6A, VMC Colony, where he lived for over four decades with his siblings, remains unchanged in appearance but feels profoundly different without him.

Jayaram’s brother, ARK Arun, an expert on marine invertebrate fossils, reminisces about the garden Jayaram meticulously cultivated. The garden, filled with flowering plants and trees, was designed to attract various forms of life, including bees, butterflies, birds, and bugs. Jayaram’s daily routine involved strolling through this garden with his camera, capturing the intricate details of nature. He documented five types of honey bees and 43 butterfly species in this very garden.

Jayaram was not only a photographer but also a mentor to many aspiring photographers. His home, often referred to as a “temple” by his mentees, housed an extensive collection of books on Nature and photography, which he generously shared. The hall adjoining his room on the first floor is filled with these books and various pieces of art he collected during his travels.

Arun recalls how Jayaram planned the garden so that there was a tree outside every window, attracting sunbirds and other wildlife. Jayaram’s passion for Nature extended beyond his garden; he spent significant time in forests, capturing mist-filled landscapes and the minutiae of mountain slopes through his lens.

Jayaram’s legacy includes a vast collection of prints and framed photos, which Arun hopes to sell to those who will appreciate their value. Jayaram’s contributions to entomology and herpetology are immortalized through species named after him, such as the Raorchestes jayarami frog and the Myrmarachne jayaramani spider.

Arun cherishes many memories of his brother, but one stands out. Minutes before Jayaram’s body was taken for cremation, a common crow butterfly briefly settled on his chest, a poignant symbol of his deep connection with Nature.

To purchase Jayaram’s photos and prints, email arkarun@gmail.com.

Summary:

• K Jayaram, a renowned Nature and macro photographer, passed away a year ago.
• Jayaram meticulously cultivated a garden designed to attract various forms of life.
• He documented five types of honey bees and 43 butterfly species in his garden.
• Jayaram mentored many photographers and shared his extensive collection of books on Nature and photography.
• His legacy includes a vast collection of prints and framed photos.
• Species named after him include the Raorchestes jayarami frog and the Myrmarachne jayaramani spider.
• A common crow butterfly briefly settled on his chest before his cremation, symbolizing his connection with Nature.
• To purchase Jayaram’s photos and prints, email arkarun@gmail.com.