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There is many a person who struggles to understand how photos of “Tigers running” is done. It certainly looks like we are in there with them, but this, like most things photographically, is an illusion.

We are based in Thailand, so we have access to many areas that have wild and captive Tigers. Wild Tigers are virtually impossible to Photograph in Thailand and we have not been overly interested in trying to stake them out in the jungle. Sao is probably a tasty snack, where I am probably a full roast dinner. There are no “safari” type organisations here for that sort of thing, and I would think that the wild Tigers are few and far between in reality.

The use of correct equipment and techniques gives the photographer a chance to take images that are nigh on impossible for the average shooter using consumer grade equipment. The quality and feature sets of consumer grade equipment is improving rapidly, but in circumstances where really high ISO, high shutter speeds and fast frames per second is needed, a Olympus, baby Nikon or Baby Canon is going to struggle. Even a Prosumer 5D has been found wanting in these circumstances. I would have to say, however, that if you are patient and are prepared to hang around in less than pleasant circumstances, the shots will come, just not as many.

What gear would be most suitable? Well it’s got to be equipment like the Nikon D2H, D3 and maybe D700 series, any of the Canon 1D2+ series and perhaps the new Sony A900. Below this there are many options, but I’d only recommend newer models of Canons like a 550D/7D or Nikons D300 for this kind of stuff, unless, as I have already mentioned, you are the patient type. Lenses need to be faster like F2.8 or F4. Super zooms from 28-300, for example, are generally not up to taking quality action shots (although I always stand to be corrected).

Here’s a picture of a Tiger cantering along, looking to really make a run for it. Notice that the focus is on the eyes. If the eyes are blurred, fuzzy or not in focus, delete the shot, simple as that, unless you are going for some other artistic effect. You can see that the shot is being made in low light. The colour is muted and the water not bright. This is because the Tigers only become active in the late afternoon.

Know your subject or get to know it.

We have spent many hours observing these magnificent beasties. After a while you can watch their body language to tell if they are going to start running, fighting or playing around. It’s the same with any wildlife I guess. These shots really are tough in the wild for amateurs, as Tigers are solitary beasts and generally preserve their energy for the hunt. (Like spotting Lions during the day. Photos of sleeping Lions.. wooopee!!) In captivity, they are kept in groups (we like the ones that are about 18 months to 2 years old) and the behaviours are more juvenile for a longer period. Older Tigers get it and rarely runaround acting the goat (so to speak) and they are also kept in separate enclosures as they are grumpy and prone to fighting.

We’ve seen in other parks the same behavioral traits but unfortunately in places like Safari World, the zookeepers are not exactly friendly to the animals and the Tigers are genuinely scared of them. Behaviours such as skylarking, running and wrestling are not allowed, so these types of parks are useless for cool Tiger photos. Photos of tigers being fed out of cages is tasteless at best, unless you can get a shot without the human intervention.

The Tiger temple in Katchanaburi has Tigers in collars. Lying around. These are not action circumstances and anything “action oriented” is definitely not on the menu, unless you want to be on the menu (according to the Abbott). It is an experience of a lifetime to have a Tigers head in your lap, and I recommend this place just for that.

OK, back to the photography.

Where we take the photos there are two large enclosures. One is long and narrow, with a pool running almost the length of it. The other is much larger, and has a medium sized oval pool at one end. The long narrow pool is preferred. In the last twelve months, however, the enclosure has had little water in the pool. This has been most disappointing.  Luck plays a great deal in getting great shots, so we have to remember that there are many times when we come away with nothing.

The shots in this article are taken from the long narrow pool. We’ve contemplated asking them to fill the pool up for us, but have not gotten around to that as of yet.

Another difficult trick is the composition. Many many photos (some of the better ones too) have issues with cut off tails, cut off whiskers and the like. There are also other animals in the picture and on many occasions, evidence of the enclosure. I am not a photoshop buff per se (but can get around it) so I don’t spend hours on every image trying to clone out areas that I don’t like. You can do this if it pushes your buttons, but I personally like to take images that reflect what it was like to actually be there. Strange but true.

In the photo above, there are things I like and dislike.
Likes:-
Action, water and I can see the tail
Dislikes:-
Other animal at back
can see edge of the pool on right
he’s not looking at me

IN this composition, there is still a bit of the enclosure showing, but it is easily edited out. This is not much of a crop either, so cloning would be the only method. His intense gaze (although not at me) is great and there’s enough water / action to make it visually appealing.

Here’s an image that can be cropped into many cool variations. The edge of the pool is evident in the back, but he’s sort of doing some ritual of scooping the water before he takes off. It’s quite amazing behavioural and we don’t see this much. Now and then, unbelievably, they get funny about getting their feet wet. I believe they are protecting small injuries, but it’s hard to tell.

Again there are many cropping options here. He is almost looking directly at me (way down the other end of the enclosure, about 12 feet up) and he’s passing under a friend, while chasing some pretend prey.

These photos are taken with a 1Ds Mark 3 on a 300/2.8 IS lens. Mostly 400ISO and up to 1250. Shutter speeds are paramount when there is this much action. They are taken at F5.6 if I can get away with it, or at 2.8 wide open. You can see why a 100-400 would struggle at 4.5-5.6 in the lowest of light. The 300/2.8 really focuses fast and produces fine images. A 1D3 is another one we use, but I limit the images here to the 1Ds3 to keep the comparisons consistent. My good friend Colin uses a 1D2 and gets excellent results.

Finding a good spot so you can pan the lens is imperative. With two or more shooters there are often times when you’re in each others way. We have unwritten rules about sharing spots, so we’re constantly on the move, not hogging the best place. This is a pet peeve when on a Safari and the cars park in the same spot for an hour, never letting anyone else in for a good shot (rant over). Enjoyable photography is like all other experiences, it’s best when you share and enjoy together. If you want to come shooting with me, loners should not apply!!

Tigers are out of the gate quickly, so you have to be vigilant. Many times we’re chimping at images when the Tigers are off down the pool or fighting. By the time you’ve lifted the lens up, they’ve reached the end and the opportunity is over. My notes on understanding them and their behaviour covers this more fruitfully.

Dunno if this is of any use, but it’s a fun pursuit and I get asked questions all the time about this. Feel free to ask more.

Cheers

Rob