No Bars or Fences is Ideal for Fantastic Photos with Clean Backgrounds. VIP African Safari
There are two very large outdoor Gorilla enclosures at this wonderful 500 acre venue near Folkestone in Kent. They are constructed in such a way that we can photograph these amazing primates with nothing but fresh air between ourselves and our subjects.
Privileged Access to Gorillas
Photographers on Safari have arranged for you to have access to the wall of the moat that forms the enclosure boundary. This close-up access is not available to the general public. It means that you can photograph the gorillas little more than 20 to 30 feet away, and you will be looking directly into their eyes at that same level. A quite amazing experience.
Photograph Baby Gorillas
Baby Gorillas are born almost annually at this very special wildlife park. The mother carefully caresses her tiny baby in her huge hands. While the mothers are eating the baby clings tightly to its’ mothers’ back watching every movement and learning from everything she does. The mother is so amazingly gentle with her delicate offspring which, compared to its’ mother, is tiny. It is breathtaking just to witness the mother delicately carrying them about in the enclosure, let alone to take stunning photographs. They truly are gentle giants. We have arranged a special feeding session with the mothers and babies in the morning.
Huge Silverbacks
The size and obvious power of the huge male gorillas at Port Lympne is awesome. They must be, pound for pound, one of the strongest animals in the world. At mid-day we will photograph the feeding of the male group from our privileged position just a few metres away. You cannot fail to be impressed by the obvious power and presence of these gentle giants. We will have a further session with these magnificent creatures at about 3pm.
Tips,Tuition & General Advice through the Day
Tips and Tuition will be offered throughout the day. One technique that really does help, particularly with the gorillas, is fill-in flash. Their eyebrows protrude quite some distance in front of their eyes, and it is their eyes that usually tend to be in shadow in natural light. All will be explained on the day.
VIP Off-road African Safari
We will take their specially constructed safari vehicle and go off-road for a VIP African Safari Experience. The vehicle has open sides and there are no windows to hinder your photography. This trip is quite different to the normal on road safari drive that the park operates. When we find an interesting subject we are able to spend time with them and are not rushed to move on. These animals’ home is some 170 acres of quite rough terrain. It is in complete contrast to the normal flat fields of short grass that you find at many venues.
Wildebeest, Zebra, Ostrich, Giraffe, Black Rhino, Eland, Przewalski’s Horses, Bison and various types of Deer
We will spend in excess of two hours photographing the above. You will have plenty of time to compose your photographs with uncluttered and natural backgrounds. There are 16 Black Rhino here at Port Lympne, which represents approx 8% of all these creatures in captivity worldwide. this is a really special opportunity to photograph African Wildlife in wonderful open countryside. It has been described by clients as ” A bit of Africa transported to England”. You will get some amazingly natural shots here.
Colobus Monkeys
After the final session with the male Gorillas we hope to photograph the Colobus Monkeys. They have a large open-topped enclosure that has been constructed in such a way that there are no fences directly between the animals and your camera. There is a perfect backgroung of trees and bushes. It must be pointed out that these animals do not thrive in cold conditions and the keepers will occasionally decide not to feed them outside.
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This workshop is so much more than just Gorillas. Click here to view the gallery and see for yourself.
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Typical Itinerary
9.00 Meet and greet in main public car park.
9.05 Move together in cars to Mansion car park
9.15 Safety briefing and brief session of group tuition prior to photographing special feed of family group of gorillas
10.00 to 10.40 Photograph the family group of Gorillas
10.50 to 12.00 African Safari in private vehicle, stopping and photographing wherever we find interesting subjects.
12.00 to 12.40 First session with the Silverback gorillas.
12.40 to 2.00 African Safari in private vehicle, stopping and photographing wherever we find interesting subjects.
2.00 to 2.50 Lunch
3.00 to 3.40 Second session with the Silverback gorillas.
3.40 to 4.00 Photograph Colobus Monkeys (when available).
4.00 to 5.00 On own in park.
Workshop Dates for 2017 –
Unfortunately due to a change of policy at this venue, we are no longer able to offer workshops here.
Contact us to book…