Photographing Tigers Tips
While lions are thought to be the kings of the jungle, tigers are powerful beasts that can actually live in the jungle. They are less sedentary and more predatory, nothing like the loveable Tigger in the kid’s television show ‘Winnie the Pooh’.
Tiger In Shade
Tigers are, after all, the biggest of the cat family. With such a big reputation, it is no wonder why you are interested in capturing wild tigers on film in their natural habitats.
If you are planning to do so, though, there are a few things you should do to make sure that you safely and successfully secure the perfect shot of one or more tigers. Another way to photograph wild tigers is to support nonprofits such as WWF India, that help preserve local habitat so there are wild tigers to photograph!
Trial and Error
Another great photographing tiger tips is there are no fences or pieces of glass separating you and your safari tour group from wild tigers, so you need to be willing to go on more than one safari if you want to safely get a great shot. Be patient!
Bring Backup
On a similar note, you can take hundreds or even thousands of shots on safari, some will be good and some not so good. What’s important is to take in your surroundings. Hear the noise of the jungle and be in the experience.
There is no such thing as too many shots, so bring back up memory cards, hard drives and batteries to make sure you get in as many snaps as possible to maximize your chances of leaving with a great picture.
Tigers in Water
Get Low
If you are on a safari vehicle, be ready to crouch down low at a moment’s notice. Tigers are covert and elusive creatures that lurk and skulk around behind bushes and other shrubbery.
So, when they emerge, they often emerge low to the ground, not out in the open.
If you want a shot that is really eye-level with a tiger, then you need to crouch down low until the edge of your camera lens if aligned with the bottom edge of your safari vehicle- go as low as you can go!
Don’t Risk It
It cannot be stressed enough that safety is key when trying to take a great photo of a tiger. If you are going on a commercial safari tour with other tourists, then it is likely that your tour guide will steer clear of any dangers.
Sure, it’s awesome if you get an up-close shot of a tiger’s growl and snarl, but it’s just as good to get a far-away shot of a tiger lounging if it means that you are safe!
Tigers are fascinating creatures that are exciting to capture on film, so long as you are patient, ready, and vigilant, you will get some great shots and make even better memories!
Ready to put your skills to the test? Join us on a trip to Satpura and Kanha National Parks.
