Covid-19 Options for 2021
It is impossible to predict exactly what restrictions will/will not be in force in 2021. Photographers on Safari have now been offered four dates for 2021. The Big Cat Sanctuary has been very generous as almost their whole calendar has been taken up by the rescheduling of their own activities. We are now able to offer specific dates for this workshop. The workshops will now be limited to just FOUR photographers. Due to the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020, the Big Cat Sanctuary has had to feed all the animals from zero income for much of the year. We must also assume that social distancing must be observed throughout 2021. We have therefore set the limit at FOUR photographers per workshop. This is what we have agreed with BCS and this limit will not be uprated. BCS cannot afford to operate a day’s workshop at less margin than that on which they were operating prior to Covid-19 with six photographers. We have agreed to pay BCS an extra £100.00 per photographer to maintain their margin and to continue to provide enough money to feed and maintain the animals on a daily basis.
Privileged Access to Big Cats
The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent houses a number of endangered big cats with a view to breeding and, where possible, re-introduction into the wild of future generations of cats born at this venue. It was formerly called the Wildlife Heritage Foundation. The Sanctuary is still exactly the same and has simply been re-branded. This Sanctuary is not open to the general public, but Photographers On Safari have arranged for photographers to have special up-close access to these amazing animals. From 2013 we have enjoyed the wonderful privilege of being the only outside photographic organisation to enjoy this amazing venue. There are now close to 50 cats on site – most of which we will have the opportunity to photograph. Do not confuse other workshops advertised elsewhere at other locations as “Big Cats Workshops” with those at this unique venue.
Amur Tigers & Amur Leopards
There are three of the prettiest Amur Leopards you have ever seen plus an adorable Amur Tiger at this wonderful venue. They make superb photographs and you will be amazed at their size and power when they are close to you. Leopards always offer great photo opportunities while snarling and grumbling. This does not mean that they are angry or upset – it is just normal Leopard behaviour. We will also photograph a large selection of the remaining 40 or so cats at this venue.
Sumatran, Bengal & Amur Tigers
There are currently less than 300 Sumatran tigers left in the wild. At the current attrition rate, there will be none left in the wild in ten years. There is a male “Nias” and a female “Puna” present here. They successfully raised 2 litters of cubs here from 2008 to 2010 and now have retired from the breeding program. Puna is well-trained at emerging from between bamboo plants to give you realistic “in the wild” photographs.
Snow Leopard Cubs
There are two adult Snow Leopards here. A new female has been introduced to the male Snow Leopard and they have successfully mated and two beautiful cubs were born in the summer of 2019. They are certain to be the stars of the day in 2020
White Lion Family
There are now 8 White Lions in a huge new enclosure. Photographers on Safari are the only outside company to have been granted permission to photograph these adorable creatures. A large mound has been constructed from which the proud occupants look down onto the photographers below.
African Lions, Cheetah & Serval
No big cat collection would be complete without lions. Photograph these magnificent animals from just a few feet away and be amazed at the power of their jaws as they crunch large bones right next to you. The cheetah and servals complete this collection and again provide wonderful photo opportunities. There are now two adult servals on site. One is the original mother and the other is her daughter, who was born in 2012.
Pumas, Lynx, Pallas Cats, Jungle Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat
A number of new enclosures have recently been built at The Big Cat Sanctuary. It has allowed new species to be brought into this wonderful collection. The Lynx is a gorgeous cat and one that everyone wants to photograph. The Pallas Cats are not always available and are more tricky to capture. The Pumas have a fantastic new enclosure and are high on everyone’s photo list. The pictures of these two cats jumping to and from logs over a pool of water really are something special. The backgrounds are quite superb. The Jungle Cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat are some of the latest arrivals here and are both proving to be firm favourites at this venue.
Chinese Leopards
BCS have received a recommendation to breed from their Chinese Leopards. The Chinese Leopards have been moved to new breeding enclosure and The Big Cat Sanctuary are actively trying to breed from this pair. The female Chinese Leopard is now providing some great photographs, and hopefully we will also have cubs to photograph later this year.
Large Enclosures means Natural Photos
The enclosures here are large, and it is possible to photograph the cats with trees and bushes as backgrounds. This makes for stunning photographs that are not normally achievable in captive conditions. The shot of a Puma leaping over the water is most people’s favourite. Enclosures are constantly being upgraded, and new banks and backgrounds are being created to give you the opportunity to take those “in the wild” shots.
BBC 2 – Big Cats About the House Series
This wonderful venue featured in this BBC 2 series of programs during 2018. Big cat expert, Giles Clark, embarked on his biggest mission to date -namely to help to turn the Big Cat Sanctuary into a centre of global excellence for conservation. Giles, his family and the keepers featured in the BBC 2 documentary series. There were two tiny orphaned cats that starred in this wonderful series. The first was Maya, a Black Jaguar. She was just five days old when she came to The Big Cat Sanctuary. Her mother was unable to feed her, and within a few days of birth Maya had become weak and was severely dehydrated. She was fed, by bottle, round the clock and has now fully developed into a wonderfully entertaining example of this extremely rare predator. Willow is a young Cheetah that broke her leg at a very early age. Her mother was not able to look after both a large active litter and an injured cub at the same time. Like Maya, Willow was fed round the clock and she has now also established herself as a firm favourite. All Photographers on Safari clients will have the opportunity to photograph both of these animals during your workshops at this wonderful venue. These television programs have raised awareness, and have helped the sanctuary to raise important funds to set up an important new study of Jaguars in the forest along the Pacuare River in Costa Rica.
Wildlife Photography Tips & Tuition
The day begins with a half hour presentation on how best to get some great big cats photos during the day. One to one advice is available and actively encouraged throughout the day. Learn new techniques while taking fantastic photographs. No other organisation gives the level of tuition that is provided by Photographers on Safari at this venue.
Up Close to your Subjects
Long lenses are not a requirement here. Some of you may choose to use a telephoto lens for headshots, but you will regularly be close enough to your subjects to use nothing more than a standard lens.
Restricted Group Size (4)
We will not be trying to cram an inordinate amount of photographers into one big cats day. Group sizes will be strictly limited to just FOUR PHOTOGRAPHERS for this event. Smaller group sizes will undoubtedly provide our clients with a SUPERIOR EXPERIENCE while attending UK’s most popular Wildlife Photography Workshop.
Absolute Novices Welcome
You do not have to be a budding professional to enjoy this venue. A total novice with no more than a compact camera will go home with some great shots of these wonderful animals. You will be close enough to them to smell their breath.
Customer’s Recommendation
I would like to thank you again for hosting this wonderful event. The privileged access, the in depth knowledge & enthusiasm shown by the staff made it a fantastic day. I must also comment on your expert & helpful attitude shown to our group, irrespective of experience or equipment. Everyone was full of praise for the whole day. I would particularly like to thank you for the help you gave me, especially with the custom white balance settings & fill-in flash. I felt I learned a lot that day and I hope it shows in my pictures (attached). Once again, thank you for a fantastic day & I am already planning which “Photographers On Safari” event to go on next. Paul Hancock.
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Typical Itinerary
09.05 Meet and greet + teas / coffees
09.15 Group tuition and safety briefing
09.50 to 12.30 Photograph under controlled conditions with one to one tuition as necessary
12.30 to 1.30 Lunch (provided) and individual review of each participants photography
1.15 to 3.50 Photograph under controlled conditions with one to one tuition as necessary
3.55 Depart from venue
Jaguars
We have recently gained permission from The Big Cat Sanctuary to include the Jaguar with regular markings and the Black Jaguar in our Itinerary for our Specialists Event. Photography of these animals is strictly only for our groups of six photographers and will not be on the agenda for larger our groups. They are amazing specimens and are wonderful additions to our already comprehensive list of subjects. You will particularly enjoy these two cats – the most powerful of all the cat species.
Cost & Dates for 2021
Due to the massive increase in the amount of publicity this venue has received in the last 18 months – notably the twice-shown series on the BBC – there has been a large increase in the cost of hire of this venue. My costs have been uplifted by more than 60%. This inevitably makes your day seem quite expensive, but every person that comes here is virtually unanimous in describing it as the best wildlife photography experience in the country. You will not be disappointed. At this moment in time, we have not yet been granted our dates here. We will no longer enjoy a reduced price for larger groups, so all our workshops will have a maximum of FOUR photographers. March is a fantastic month for photography here. You are unlikely to encounter the very bright conditions that you might experience in the middle of the summer. There should be many less shadows and a lot less contrast to deal with.
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Specialist’s Event for Max. 4 Photographers
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Photography Tips & Tuition
Smaller groups of just FOUR photographers means that you will have a really fantastic opportunity to take your pictures from exactly the angle you choose. There should be no reason why you will not leave this venue with a considerable number of really stunning shots. The animals can be encouraged to perform directly in front of you, thus enabling you to go home with a number of photographs of a real “professional standard”. Both group, and one-to-one tuition will be available throughout the day. Time will also be set aside for reviewing the photos you have taken during the morning. Constructive advice on any potential areas of improvement to your photography will then be offered where appropriate.
Specialist Event Dates 2021
Thur Sept 30 09.05–3.50SOLD OUT
Friday Oct 1 09.05–3.50 SOLD OUT
Sat Oct 2 09.05 – 3.50 SOLD OUT