Conan was born and raised in southern India, where an early interest in the natural world led him toward a career in wildlife and conservation. While studying business and later tourism in college, he gained his first field experience in the jungles of India and quickly realized his future lay outdoors.

He began his career as a naturalist in Corbett National Park at the foothills of the Himalayas and has been guiding wildlife expeditions across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan since 2004. Over the years, he has worked as a naturalist guide, photographer, conservation educator and field biologist, building extensive knowledge of the region's wildlife, ecosystems and cultures.

In addition to leading wildlife journeys, Conan has assisted documentary crews for Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and National Geographic. He has also documented animal and bird vocalizations through field recordings and worked on a conservation initiative focused on snakes and snakebite mitigation, conducting research on reptiles and amphibians while leading education and outreach programs.

Conan's interest in photography began when he borrowed his father's Pentax film camera in college and later purchased a Nikon with his first paycheck. Years of shooting film—and waiting weeks, sometimes months, to see the results—taught him patience, observation and a deep appreciation for light. His photographs often focus on animal behavior, capturing interactions and fleeting moments that reveal a deeper story about his subjects. Drawing on decades of field experience, he uses his understanding of wildlife to recognize photographic opportunities and help travelers create stronger images of their own.

When not leading expeditions, Conan enjoys gardening, woodworking, brewing, birding and exploring the outdoors with his wife and young son in Bangalore.