Big Cats and Mammal Photography Safaris
From tracking elusive leopards in Rajaji to spotting golden jackals in the Mumbai region, these safaris are all about the thrill of the find.
A Jungle Cat photographed during a night safari. Learning to shoot in low-light conditions is a key skill for any wildlife photographer, and I provide hands-on guidance on using flashes and adjusting ISO for clean shots.
A Golden Jackal, or 'Kolha' in Marathi, spotted in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This night shot shows that you don't always have to travel far for exciting wildlife encounters.
A perfectly timed shot of a Black Drongo hitching a ride on a Chinkara (Indian Gazelle). These symbiotic relationships are fascinating to observe and photograph, telling a deeper story about the ecosystem.
The glowing eyes of a Jungle Cat peering through the bushes at night. This photo captures the mysterious and thrilling atmosphere of a night trail.
Another shot of the Jungle Cat, this time with its shadow creating a dramatic effect. We explore creative compositions even in the challenging conditions of a night safari.
About Big Cats & Mammal Safaris
Tracking big cats is 90 percent patience and 10 percent knowing where to point your lens. On these trips, we do not just rush through the forest. I will help you read animal behavior and nail the settings for low-light shots, whether it is a leopard at dusk or a jackal in the brush.
Nature photography is not just about having the right gear. It is about anticipating the moment before it happens. Whether we are in the dense forests of Kanha looking for tigers or conducting a night trail in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region for jungle cats, my focus is on teaching you to anticipate the action.
Why I Focus on Mammals
Birds are my first love, but the thrill of spotting a mammal is different. It requires a different set of skills—tracking, reading signs, and silent observation. On my safaris to places like Rajaji National Park or Kabini, we cover:
- Low-Light Mastery: Night trails and dawn safaris mean shooting at high ISO. I will teach you how to manage noise and use flashes ethically without disturbing the wildlife.
- Behavioral Tracking: We learn to spot the signs—alarm calls, pugmarks, and movement in the undergrowth—so you are ready before the cat appears.
- Composition in the Wild: Capturing a jackal or a jungle cat is different from a bird. We focus on environmental portraits that show the animal in its habitat rather than just a tight zoom shot.
What to Expect on a Trip
When you join a safari, you are not just a passenger. You are a participant. If we are doing a night trail locally, we keep the group small to ensure silence and safety. For longer trips like our Bhigwan or national park expeditions, everything is managed—from the tracker to the logistics—so your only job is to be ready with your camera. I use my Nikon D7500 and 200-500mm lens for these, and I am happy to help you fine-tune your settings to match your specific gear.
Aashish Patil
I am Aashish. For me, the camera is therapy. I do not just lead tours; I share the thrill of a surprise sighting, whether it is a leopard in a national park or a jungle cat right here in our own backyard.
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