Covid-19 Options for 2022
The situation with Covid-19 is still impossible to predict with 100% accuracy. All we can do is to make an educated guess of what we think will be the most likely outcome in 2022. If things change for the better in 2022 then we will revise our plans accordingly. We must assume that each client must be at least 1 metre apart and wearing a face mask. That means that the small enclosures at this venue will now only accommodate two persons photographing at any one time. This means that we are extremely compromised on the costs of running this workshop. The costs of the food for the animals now have to be split three ways instead of seven ways. Whereas we are happy to absorb a certain amount of these extra expenses we cannot run workshops at a loss. The price for running a workshop for just THREE clients will now be £199.00. We will happily reduce the cost of the workshop to £169 if FOUR photographers can be catered for. Sandwiches and snacks will not be provided while this pandemic exists. It will be safer if you bring your own food for lunch.
Max. THREE Photographers on this Workshop
You will have an amazing day with just THREE people photographing at any one time. We have only run a workshop here once before with that number of photographers (at a big premium) and the clients had a wonderful experience. The number of photographers on this workshop pre Covid-19 was SEVEN. You will have sole access to the entire venue.
Cat Survival Trust, Hertfordshire
This venue provides quite a different selection of cats to those that you would find in other collections. Some of the cats form part of breeding programmes, and some have been acquired from zoos and private collections. The trust has placed in excess of 2,000 surplus cats into new homes. A wonderful achievement.
Snow Leopards & Jaguarundi
There is a large enclosures housing two of these marvellous creatures. You will be amazed by the length and thickness of their tails. You may well have seen the recent television series on Animal Planet which highlighted the tremendous work undertaken by the Cat Survival Trust in having been Europe’s most successful breeding establishment for Snow Leopards. The Jaguarundi is a feisty little creature and presents us with opportunities to photograph a very aggressive looking animal.
Lynx and Gordon’s Wildcat
There are a number of Lynx here in different enclosures. Some are quite sedentary and pose endlessly, while others are continuously on the move and much more challenging. There is also recent addition, namely a Gordon’s Wildcat. This cat, from Asia, is the size of a domestic cat, but far more ferocious looking -particularly when it lays its ears back flat to its head.
Caracals & Temminck’s Golden Cat
There are also three Caracals. The ears are the focal point of this fabulous cat. It can sometimes be quite difficult to zoom in tight and not chop off the long hairs on their ears. As with the lynx, this is a cardinal sin and is to be avoided. The Golden Cat arrived in 2014 and is somewhat shy and it is not always possible to photograph this cat.
Amur Leopards
These are my two favourite captive cats. A beautiful pair of Amur Leopards, an endangered species of which there are now estimated to be no more than 40 left in the wild. They have gorgeous blue eyes and regularly snarl at the waiting cameras. These two have now become the star performers at this venue and will provide some really aggressive-looking snarls, often with saliva dripping from their teeth. There is no real aggression at all from these adorable creatures, but photographs do sometimes lie!!!!!!!!
Servals & Jaguarundi
A beautiful Serval will pose just a few feet away in front of great backgrounds. Although quite friendly, she will continually hiss and snarl, once again presenting you with some superb photo opportunities. There are currently five Servals at the trust. The Jaguarundi is an elongated relative of the Puma. It is a similar colour, but much smaller. It is long and thin on very short legs and is an amazingly fast mover that will also sit still for photographs.
Clouded Leopard & Pumas
There is a family of Pumas (also known as Cougars) with their two cubs. This species completes the animals on show, and the day presents a quite unique collection of subjects. The wonderful Clouded Leopard is now quite happy to oblige our photographers. Initially, he was quite shy but now he is most happy to pose for us in return for a few pieces of prime beef.
Raccoon Dogs & Bobcats
Three Raccoon arrived in April 2016. The Raccoon Dog resembles a Raccoon due to its shape, size and facial characteristics. It is, however, a member of the dog family and is native to parts of Eastern Asia. Their natural habitat is woodland and forest areas that are close to water. They are very comfortable in marshy areas. They are good swimmers and also climb trees to search for fruit and berries.The most recent arrivals are a pair of Bobcats. the female was pregnant and gave birth to kittens on May 9th 2021. Photographing the kittens should be a delight.
Privileged Access
We photograph all the cats from inside the outer enclosures. This access is not enjoyed by the general public. All the photography will be from reasonably close and, headshots apart, long lenses are not required.
Tips and Tuition
As always, the day will commence with a safety briefing and a Digital Photography Tutorial. One to one advice will be available throughout the day and lunch will be provided.
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Typical Itinerary
10.15 Meet and greet + teas / coffees
10.20 Group tuition and safety briefing
11.00 Photograph Red Kites
11.40 to 1.30 Photograph under controlled conditions with one to one tuition as necessary
1.30 to 2.20 Lunch + teas / coffees (provided)
2.20 to 4.00 Photograph under controlled conditions with one to one tuition as necessary
4.00 Close
Workshop Dates 2023
Thur June 29 10.30 – 16.00 £199.00
Fri June 30 10.30 – 16.00 £199.00
Sat July 1st 10.30 – 16.00 £199.00
Sun July 2nd 10.30 – 16.00SOLD OUT
MAXIMUM OF 3 PHOTOGRAPHERS