Tiger Tiger Burning Bright!

[ashish]

I was very lucky to get some really close tiger sightings during my recent visit to the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Central India.

The tiger is one of the most majestic animals on this planet and i was awed by their grace, poise and confidence.

Here are some of the images that i was fortunate to capture.

C&C welcome.

[purplehaze]

Magnificent, Ashish. A genuine viewing pleasure.

[DanK]

Remarkable images. I would be too scared to capture them, I think. My one suggestion is that some of them would be improved by cropping, to place the animal in a better part of the frame and to get rid of distracting areas. Even the tight ones could be cropped a bit. I hope you don't mind my posting examples. I cropped the first a bit and the last one a lot. See what you think.

[Donald]

I take Dan's point about cropping, but I wouldn't crop the last one. I think the composition is superb as is. It sets the animal within its environment and tghe lighting has been managed beautifully.

I also think the imagte with that features the bird flying over the tiger is magnificent. Again, we are in doubt as to what the subject is, but we see the context/environment around it.

[Texas Dave]

I like them all but I love #3 and #6. The first two seem to blend to much into the background, although I realize that is what is there and the dirt is the same hue as the fur which is why I like 3 and 5.

I may have crop issues but to me, I like the more open crop of #6. Maybe a little tighter crop but I would be more likely to clone out a leave and twig before I got to tight of a crop. The cat really draws the eye in my opinion without such a tight crop. Having said that I'm most likely showing my cards as far as inexperience in photography but that's my opinion.

Your photography is fascinating never the less and a joy to see. Nice job!

[Shadowman]

Nice variety of captures.

[HaseebM]

Awesome images!

[flashback]

Ashish...just amazing. G̶e̶o̶r̶g̶o̶u̶s̶ ̶ Majestic animals. #6 is my favorite, I can picture that Tiger slinking back into the brush and disappearing, perfectly camouflaged with bands of light and shadow. Even where it sits, the colors and striping breaks up the shape enough to practically hide in plain sight. These are all amazing photos and do justice to this beautiful animal.

And I have to ask, were you in an enclosed vehicle? The reason I ask is because of THIS video, and frankly I think I'd rather cage dive with great whites than dangle myself out in front for one of these guys.

[Manfred M]

Ashish - I am truly jealous. The shots are all great and given the issues / excitement of seeing a big cat in the wild; you have done really well with your captures.

I expect we will be looking at visiting one of the national parks in the hope of spotting a tiger on our next trip to India.

[Wavelength]

WOW; they are stunning stuff ; well done

[Geoff F]

My first thoughts were for a bit of a crop, exactly as Dan mentioned. Although as an alternative for the last image you could try just a slight crop from the top and right side to lose those bright and out of focus leaves.

Exposure and focus are excellent.

[IzzieK]

I love #3 and 6 the best in this series, Ashish...#3 because of the inclusion of the bird and #6 because of the framing. It could do with a little bit of a crop at the bottom and it will be perfect...just my own opinion...

[Brownbear]

Wow! An amazingly beautiful set. My favourite is #3 for showing the amazing beauty set off by a lovely enviromental background, followed by #1 for the eye contact and lifted paw.

[NorthernFocus]

Wow, Ashish. Really a nice set of images to show for what must have been an amazing experience. So few people on Earth will ever have an opportunity to be in the presence of these beautiful creatures. Nicely done.

[Stagecoach]

Super set Ashish and for me No 3 wins outright, a very powerful shot !

When I looked at the Exif I had to laugh because we have another thread here discussing the 'ideal' lens focal length for wildlife and I note none of these were taken at greater than 200mm. No 3, unquestionably the best (IMO) shot at 110mm

[ashish]

Remarkable images. I would be too scared to capture them, I think. My one suggestion is that some of them would be improved by cropping, to place the animal in a better part of the frame and to get rid of distracting areas. Even the tight ones could be cropped a bit. I hope you don't mind my posting examples. I cropped the first a bit and the last one a lot. See what you think.

Thanks Dan for your thoughts and effort ... the first crop looks impactful... however i wanted the 2nd to be an environmental portrait.

Cheers!

[ashish]

Ashish...just amazing. G̶e̶o̶r̶g̶o̶u̶s̶ ̶ Majestic animals. #6 is my favorite, I can picture that Tiger slinking back into the brush and disappearing, perfectly camouflaged with bands of light and shadow. Even where it sits, the colors and striping breaks up the shape enough to practically hide in plain sight. These are all amazing photos and do justice to this beautiful animal.

And I have to ask, were you in an enclosed vehicle? The reason I ask is because of THIS video, and frankly I think I'd rather cage dive with great whites than dangle myself out in front for one of these guys.

Thanks Jack ... it's an open top vehicle like the one below...

[Barbara Ponder]

Wonderful shots! 4 and 6 are especially nice.

[ashish]

Super set Ashish and for me No 3 wins outright, a very powerful shot !

When I looked at the Exif I had to laugh because we have another thread here discussing the 'ideal' lens focal length for wildlife and I note none of these were taken at greater than 200mm. No 3, unquestionably the best (IMO) shot at 110mm

Thanks Grahame .. i shot these with my Canon 70-200 IS II. She was at a distance of not more than 7-10 feet away as she walked by our vehicle.

[ashish]

Ashish - I am truly jealous. The shots are all great and given the issues / excitement of seeing a big cat in the wild; you have done really well with your captures.

I expect we will be looking at visiting one of the national parks in the hope of spotting a tiger on our next trip to India.

Thanks Manfred ... if you plan to visit any of the parks in India do let me know .. i have a friend who organises these safaris frequently and is knowledgeable. I can connect you with her.

Cheers!