Posted by Bob Johnson on February 25, 2013 at 2:02 PM
Just time to post this before I head off to Ndutu
I must say that I did not find tigers an easy subject to photograph. We had several sightings that were very brief and took place in the dense shadowy woodland that forms a lot of the tigers territory in Bandavgarth. I was mostly shooting at ISO 800 and above and working with two other photographers from what is a very tiny jeep when compared to the Landcruisers in Tanzania. The other guys were using monopods but I found it better to shoot hand held or with a small bean bag on the roll bars as this gave me a bit more freedom.
I have several sharper full frame shots and some good landscape stuff with the tigers small in the frame but I chose to show you this shot as it came from our first real views of Bamara the big male. This encounter has created a powerful memory for me, and it was very satisfying to have an extended session with such a magnificent beast and to see it so relaxed in our presence
Mk4 300 f2.8 @ f2.8 ISO 800 1/500th HH 50% crop to remove the artificial looking dam wall that was in the BG.
My thanks go to Danny Green and Mark Sisson for their help and advice on this trip.
Bob
Posted by Nick Mckeown on February 25, 2013 at 2:11 PM
Unusual tiger shot Bob and not one I have seen before, a tiger having ablutions! The green of the water compliments the orange of the tiger.
Nick.
Posted by Phil Ellard on February 25, 2013 at 2:15 PM
Worth the trip on it own
Posted by Neil Burton on February 25, 2013 at 2:41 PM
A tiger in water, worth every penny spent on trip and gear i say, although I hope there are another 100 or so to come :)
Hi Bob, this is typical Tiger behaviour, finding a cool spot to retreat too and just chill out, they adore water. Water colour again, is typical of the location. Did you get any playing in this location?
TFS
Steve
Posted by Barry Southon on February 25, 2013 at 5:45 PM
Bob
Sounds like an exciting trip good start looking forward to more to come thanks for sharing.
Posted by Bob Johnson on February 26, 2013 at 3:27 AM
Thanks guys.
Steve- This was the only chance that I had to photograph one in the water. As it was winter they were less inclined to bathe and maybe I will have more opportunities for this at Ranthambore in April when it will be very hot We had around 15 drives all together and saw tigers on only 5 of them. Two of these encounters were very rewarding especially the time we had with Bamara on our third day. All in all it was a fantastic trip and despite the difficulties I am pleased with what I brought back. I also learned a lot from Danny and Mark on the trip, especially watching the way that the two of them see and frame their shots. I now look forward to putting some of this into practice in Tanzania next week
Bob
Posted by David Sewell on February 26, 2013 at 5:07 AM
Great shot, Bob. This is the second tiger you have posted, and I would say that those two alone were worth the trip. Whilst I find monopods better than nothing, I too find that a beanbag can be a better option in a jeep - especially if you can persuade the driver to turn the engine off!
David
Posted by Andy Shepherd on February 28, 2013 at 1:11 PM
Great pose from the Tiger, must have been an awesome experience. Nicely done, Bob.
Discussion
8 repliesI must say that I did not find tigers an easy subject to photograph. We had several sightings that were very brief and took place in the dense shadowy woodland that forms a lot of the tigers territory in Bandavgarth. I was mostly shooting at ISO 800 and above and working with two other photographers from what is a very tiny jeep when compared to the Landcruisers in Tanzania. The other guys were using monopods but I found it better to shoot hand held or with a small bean bag on the roll bars as this gave me a bit more freedom.
I have several sharper full frame shots and some good landscape stuff with the tigers small in the frame but I chose to show you this shot as it came from our first real views of Bamara the big male. This encounter has created a powerful memory for me, and it was very satisfying to have an extended session with such a magnificent beast and to see it so relaxed in our presence
Mk4 300 f2.8 @ f2.8 ISO 800 1/500th HH 50% crop to remove the artificial looking dam wall that was in the BG.
My thanks go to Danny Green and Mark Sisson for their help and advice on this trip.
Bob
Nick.
TFS
Steve
Sounds like an exciting trip good start looking forward to more to come thanks for sharing.
Steve- This was the only chance that I had to photograph one in the water. As it was winter they were less inclined to bathe and maybe I will have more opportunities for this at Ranthambore in April when it will be very hot
Bob
David
Great pose from the Tiger, must have been an awesome experience. Nicely done, Bob.
Andy...