Tiger Photography in India on Tour

by Uday Patel Seo Professional & Content Writer India

If you are traveling to India and your aim is to visit a tiger reserve than do not hesitate to take good photographs of tigers. This is the best opportunity you will get to capture images of this amazing creature on Earth. If you are budding wildlife photographer there is more to journey. This article enumerates key aspects of big cat photography in India.

Tiger is an endangered species well protected in the tiger reserves and National Parks. These are called protected areas and they have been successful in conserving the species as well as the ecosystem as whole. The Project Tiger Program in the country has been vastly successful and the reserves are open to tourism.

Tiger tourism in India is regulated by a set of rules which are advised by NTCA. The common rules specified by NTCA cannot be twisted but many other aspects are flexible and under the purview of the State Governments overseen by PCCF or Chief Wildlife Warden.

The safari ride is subject to fixed exit and entry times and the tourists have to remain seated on jeep throughout. They can refresh themselves only at the designated centers. The permit issued is for one zone only and trespassing is strictly prohibited. Off roading is strictly prohibited the safari jeep stays on the designated road network. .

The wildlife photographers have limited leeway while on safari but they get enough

opportunity to achieve their goals. They have an option for booking a full day safari which allows extra half an hour for exit and entry. There is no restriction of zone here but rest of the rules remain the same.

For greater leeway during the safaris one needs permission from MOEF Ministry through the PCCF. But this is done mostly by companies making documentaries on tigers or other wild animals and professional photographers the latter very rarely.

Tiger Photography India requires a methodical approach besides booking safari permits in advance. You need an experienced naturalist pertaining to familiarity with the reserve or an experienced forest guide or both. This liaison is usually made by the tour operator through whom you are doing the booking. If you know a naturalist or guide book his services

whence you finalize the plan of visiting a reserve in India. Success depends much on your choice of zones since in each reserve there may be more than one. You can consult the naturalist regarding this beforehand. The naturalist with good knowledge of animal behavior and the destination is a good company.

A good accommodation is a must as well and set of clothing which melt into the surroundings and gels well with the climate. Carry some hand guide on Indian wildlife along with good set of binoculars or a spotting scope.

Tigers are extremely illusive and require keen tracking for discovering them in the dense canopy or grasslands their preferred habitats. This is the job of your team the naturalist, forest guide and the jeep driver. They are vital for the success of your expedition as a lens men do not go solo if you are into serious big cat photo tour.

Shorter lens are required in the forests as the tigers come close reasonably. Long lenses are not useful in the tropical forests of India. A bean bag or a mono pod is all that you require. Large heavy tripods will be useless sitting in an open jeep.

Photographing the big cats is a tough job whence you are seeking a professional output. Hence during tiger photography on jeep safari always be alert. The jungle surprise always awaits with the big cat turning up at an unexpected quarter. They vanish into the dense canopy at speed of lightening hence keep your gear ready whence on safari jeep. With a good team you chances of success are enhanced and the rest will depend upon your skills.