Tiger Photography Tips

A guide to getting the best tiger images during a photo tour in India

Few wildlife encounters are as electrifying as locking eyes with a wild tiger—especially through the lens of your camera. Photographing these elusive big cats in their natural habitat is as much about patience and preparation as it is about timing and instinct. For photographers joining a dedicated tiger photo tour in India, having the right approach can mean the difference between a missed moment and a breathtaking shot. So we asked wildlife photographers Sam Turley and Gaurav Kalbhor for some insider tips on what to expect, what gear to bring, and what to do once you’ve spotted these stunning cats in the wild.

What gear to bring

Sam’s tips:

“Be ready for low light. Tigers are most active in the early morning and late afternoon when light is limited and they are generally found in shaded forests. If possible, use wide aperture lenses (f/2.8 or f/4) and cameras that can handle high ISO well to maximize your chances of capturing sharp images in these conditions.”

“I would say versatile gear is key. A telephoto lens (I use a 150mm to 600mm lens) is essential but I would also carry a mid-range or wide angle zoom (70-200mm, 16-55mm or similar) for flexibility. Tigers can appear anywhere at any time and in the more popular parks individuals are very confident and may be closer than you expect. Wider angle lenses will allow you to capture wildlife in their environment.”

Gaurav’s tips:

“Indian geographical conditions can be tricky; the parks are dense at times and the vegetation can be tall. So you need to be prepared for various situations. If you’re carrying one camera body, then I would recommend a 100-400 mm, 200-500 mm, or 150- 600 mm lens. If you’re carrying multiple cameras then I would recommend a prime lens (400/500/600mm) on one of the bodies and a 70-200 or a 100-400 mm on the other body. It’s great to keep a wide angle lens handy for landscapes.”

Make sure to have the right expectations

Sam’s tips:

“Expect busy parks. Indian tiger reserves, especially popular ones like Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore, and Kanha, can get crowded, particularly during peak season. Mentally prepare for multiple vehicles at tiger sightings, it’s part of the experience. Be patient, and open minded to avoid becoming frustrated – if you want to photograph tigers in the wild, it’s part of the package.”

Find out more about our upcoming tiger photography tours in India

Gaurav’s tips:

“Seeing tigers is special, but you need to be prepared for certain situations. Always be ready for dust on these drives. Also, carry a cover for cameras. Sometimes the moment is sudden and we need to be very quick with using the camera. Your guide will tell you when to expect the tiger to move, so listen and be ready for that. But most importantly, live the moment instead of trying to click everything.”

How to make most of your tiger sightings

Sam’s tips:

“It’s good to focus on quality, not quantity. Your first tiger sighting will no doubt be adrenaline filled (I remember mine!) so it’s hard not to take thousands of photos but try to remain calm and shoot with intention to avoid producing the same images over and over again. Remember to enjoy the experience, slow down and think about what you’re trying to achieve.”

While it’s tempting to join the rush when a tiger is spotted, it’s often more rewarding to break away from the crowds and explore quieter areas. Solitary tigers, unique animal interactions, and beautiful landscapes can all offer exceptional photographic opportunities without the chaos.”

And remember that there is more to India’s parks than just the Tigers (if that wasn’t enough!) – there’s a wealth of wildlife that many (including the local guides) can overlook including deer, langurs, Indian wild dogs, sloth bears, leopards, birds, and stunning landscapes. Take your time and look for other opportunities as they present themselves.”

Gaurav’s tips:

“At times, the vegetation will be tall and we have to click tigers through the grass. So understanding your focus is very important. It’s good to click with a single point focus when the tigers are in the grass. When they are out in the open, you can choose your preferred focus points. Also, the sightings might get crowded at times, so we have to work with the best angle possible.”

Ready to embark on a tiger photography adventure?

There’s no substitute for being there—dust in the air, heart pounding, camera ready. Our photo tours in India are built for those who want more than just a glimpse; it’s designed for photographers who want time, space, and expert guidance to turn tiger sightings into remarkable images. You can also check out our Comprehensive Guide to Tiger Photo Tours in India for further tips and details.