Tiger Photography in India

With more than 3000 tigers in India and a good network of tiger reserves, the country is proving one of the best places to photograph big cats. In India wildlife photographers and filmmakers have a greater choice to film and photograph the big cats. With over 52 tiger reserves they can accomplish their mission with ease. 

Photography For Amateurs

For amateur filmmakers and photographers, a safari permit is enough. They can book safaris for morning and evening and shoot tigers as they chance upon. Many parks offer the facility of a full-day safari which though costly can bear rich fruits. In full-day safaris zone restrictions are not there and they can go anywhere. But all regular safari rules have to be followed. Besides the absence of zone restriction food has to be consumed at the interpretation centers or at places that are designated by park authorities. Even night safaris are open for the amateurs.

Professional Mission 

But for professionals who need to venture into the park, apart from basic regulations extra permission is required. Professionals need to intrude into the forests, be photographed at night, and often work on foot. These are outside the purview of regular visitors.

Hence for extra facilities permission has to be taken from MOEF and PCCF of the state. Documentaries cannot be made on regular safaris hence privileges are required. These arrangements have to be made through a local wildlife tour operator. The local tour operator makes all the arrangements before the venture commences. 

The professionals need local help and these are experienced guides, helpers, and amateur photographers. They know the terrain well and have a fair idea of the movement of tigers. They can assist in many other ways. This team is organized by the local or National tour operator as well. In India getting special permissions is time-consuming and costly.  Hence tour operators' assistance is indispensable.    

Professional filmmakers and photographers need to carry heavy and costly equipment and this has to be transported through customs and local transportation this could be time-consuming and costly. Nevertheless, the end result is rewarding. Thus all arrangements have to be made in advance for a tiger photo tour in India.