Photographing Tigers with Penny Robartes
On the 21 February 2025, my repeat guests and I would embark on a photographic exploration and experience covering two endangered species; one critically so, and both as large as life.
From the 21 February to the 2 March 2025, we would be witnessing, watching, memorising and capturing footage of Asian Tigers and Mountain Gorillas.
My experiences at Ranthambore have been truly exquisite. Seeing wildlife in their natural environment is always one of the biggest drawcard for me, but going on a safari in India for Tigers is not guaranteeing that you will see a Tiger, or get that powerful connective moment (and photographs) you seek and desire with them due to the amount of people that will be sharing the sighting(s) with you. Tiger Canyon allows off-load driving due to it being a private game reserve with limited vehicles per Tiger sighting, where in India, this simply cannot happen.
If you have read my tour report from my stay at Tiger Canyon with guests in January, you will understand the concept behind this big cat conservation-focused private game reserve, and the incredible impact that they are having in creating a ex-situ big cat conservation blueprint that will be given to Asian countries in due time. If you haven’t read it, why not click here and gather some information and visuals from this impactful destination.
My guests have wanted to see and photograph Tigers for a very long time. After my frequent stays at Tiger Canyon, and knowing my guests needs and wants for beautiful and intimate experiences with wildlife, when I spoke to them about Tiger Canyon, I knew it was only a matter of time when we would be traveling and photographing there together.
A year later, I was greeting well-recognised smiles at Bloemfontein Airport in South Africa, before beginning our vehicle transfer to the private game reserve.
As we arrived late at night, our safari truly began in the morning, and I could not have asked for a more appropriate introduction to this special reserve. In the early, soft light hours of a morning beginning to bloom, we saw the massive male Tiger, Khumba, standing in the open grassland bordering a marsh filled with dense reeds. Quickly getting into position, we captured some images of this big male before he slowly but dedicatedly walked into the reeds. Looking at my guests’ faces, they were wide-eyed with appreciation and happiness. Their first ever wild Tiger, and it happened to be one of the biggest on the reserve.
For the next 3 full days, we were treated to a variety of Tiger sightings in different settings, from open grassland savannahs, to Tigers in repose on beautiful granite rock outcrops, to hunting Tigers with dramatic scenic backdrops. We had it all, and were able to really explore the possible photographic opportunities while spending deeply connective, quality time with the individuals. When it was not photographic, we sat and watched these astounding creatures, for it is only by observing, truly looking at the individual that you connect, and then create.
Of course, we spent time with their equally famed Cheetah. Tiger Canyon is part of Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Cheetah Metapopulation breeding program which is dedicated to increasing the population of wild Cheetah in the wild. While we did not see or spend time with their two adult female Cheetah, we spent one evening and morning with their 3 sub-adult Cheetah. This was a treat as these sub-adults will be relocated to their new homes at the end of March, making this the first and last time my guests got to see and spend time with these slinky cats. Having the ability to get on foot and being accepted into their space as we walked with them, sat and watched/photographed the Cheetah was a very special and touching experience for my guests, and of course, for me. It is always humbling and connecting when wildlife allow you to be in their space and feel comfortable with it.
Tiger Canyon, its rawness, the ability to be in the wildness of the Tigers with no one else, watching and photographing their behaviour knowing that your presence is not affecting theirs whatsoever, having the quietness and peace to truly connect with each individual and scene was something that my guests didn’t expect and were blown away by.
But this is not where our journey ended!
Coming up: Photographing Mountain Gorilla with Penny Robartes: A Private Tigers & Gorillas Photo Tour, Part 2.
Get to know Penny
I has been a specialist Wildlife Photography Tour Leader for 12 years. I have had the thrill and privilege of takening ORYX guests across the globe to photography an amalgamation of wildlife species in various destinations. My passion, expertise and demeanour has led to a reputation that precedes me not only with repeat and new guests and followers of my work, but also within the industry and with my peers.
My mission? To help fellow photographers and wildlife enthusiasts capture the raw beauty and connect with the spirit of our natural world, as well as with the rich tapestry of indigenous cultures.
What Sets Me Apart:
– Seasoned photo tour leader with intimate knowledge of prime photography locations worldwide;
– Expertise in both wildlife and cultural photography, offering a unique dual perspective;
– Female leader in a predominately male field, bringing fresh insights and approaches;
– Committed to ethical photography and safari practices that respect wildlife and indigenous communities;
– Strive to create deeper connections with my guests to the subjects and scenes they are photographing.
My Approach:
I don’t just lead tours; I cultivate transformative experiences. My groups are small and personalised, ensuring each guest receiveds hands-on guidance to elevate their craft. From the snowscapes of Antarctica, to the jungles in Brazil, I help photographers and enthusiasts tell compelling visual stories that matter.
Let’s Connect:
Whether you are an aspiring to professional photographer looking to join a tour, or a wildlife lover looking to delve into the world of photography, I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s explore how we can work together to capture the Earth’s wild beauty, one frame at a time.
Join Penny on a personally curated private photo tour:
ORYX Private Departures private@oryxphoto.com
