Wildlife Photography, Doing a safari is not economical any longer. One spends substantial resources on doing the same. They say, that taking good photographs adds value to your wildlife safari tour in India.
The below points will help you prepare for Wildlife photography in India.
- To hone your Wildlife Photography skills it helps to know the national park you are visiting. Read about it to know what animals you can expect to see, the type of terrain, temperatures, type of vehicles being used. Wildlife Photography in India is unique as the terrain and animals to shoot are different. Hence you must do enough research to know the same.
- Patience and perseverance are extremely important while doing safaris. Please see the above for the same.
- If you plan to shoot Tigers, then it helps to understand Tiger behavior a bit.
- Listen to the guide and the driver of the vehicle you are traveling in, and follow the rules and regulations during the safari.
- Be as silent as possible. Murmurs are best when you sight something. Your talking or excitement can push the wildlife back into the bushes.
- Avoid sudden movements when you sight anything. Sudden jerky movements of hands, and standing up, disturb the animal, and they can go away before you realize it.
- You must know your camera equipment well. Read your camera manuals once again before the tour. Avoid changing lenses and memory cards when in front of animals. They should be done before the sighting. You must know how many images your cards can store, and store surplus cards, and batteries.
- If you are sitting with other tourists in the Jeep, then it helps to coordinate with them in advance and ensure everyone is able to take images. Avoid getting into any alterations with fellow tourists while the Tiger sighting is happening for want of better angles and a look. Everyone sitting has paid for the safari. (this point is usually for youngsters who get very excited during the sightings)
- Personal physical fitness is very important as well. You should be light on your feet, i.e. adjust the angles fast without being noisy. In a hurry to take images, do not move when others in the vehicle are taking images.
- Eat light. Avoid having heavy Indian meals before a safari, as the same can bring in a bit of laziness, and can induce sleep, resulting in you missing some possible opportunities.
For more personal guidance on how to shoot please feel free to write to me.
Best Wishes
Sharad Vats
Here are some of our recommended tours for your photographic safari to India. Explore our Corbett, Taj, Ranthambore, and Jaipur Tour and Temple, Taj, and Tiger Tour. The tour itinerary includes the best national parks for the perfect safari experience, the taj mahal tour, and a Jaipur city tour to have a deep look inside the Indian culture.
