Guided Wildlife Photography Workshops at Dartmoor Zoo

	Behind the scenes access
	Special scatter feeds of the animals
	Expert tuition and guidance all day
	Lunch in our Jaguar Restaurant
	The perfect gift for photographers

Whatever your interest in photography, whether you're an enthusiastic amateur or a seasoned professional, a Guided Photography Workshop at Dartmoor Zoo will provide you with the best possible opportunities to capture some spectacular images.

Our expansive open-fronted enclosures housing jaguar, bears, cheetahs and tigers are among the most photographer-friendly you'll ever find. In addition, under the close supervision of our senior keeping staff you'll get access to many non-public areas maximising the opportunity for truly unique photographs.

Tuition and guidance

We have our own resident professional photographer who will give you expert tuition on all aspects of photography, from camera control, lighting and composition.

What people say

"Had a fantastic day with 5 friends at Dartmoor Zoo today with Alex the zoo's own professional photographer. Alex's patience and knowledge was amazing. We got to go behind some of the boundaries to get great close up shots of the animals. I now control my camera Alex! Thank you again and will definitely recommend this to anybody who loves taking photos of animals." - Wendy Lee

"Just looked at the photos taken on the photography course yesterday; a day's tuition and what a transformation. Thank you again, Alex. I've already been recommending the experience - and the zoo to friends." - Kate Tomlinson

"I did a photography day with friends and Alex on Sunday. Alex's tution was confident,encouraging and very patient.At last I feel I understand my camera. The zoo was great and the care and knowledge of the animals is amazing. It was a wonderful day throughly enjoyed by us all. What a fantastic experience, would highly recommend it." - Debbie Woodhouse.

Booking

The next workshop date is on Sunday 27th of November. The course is £130 only £99 per person. Places are limited to 12 maximum. Please book early to avoid disappointment. To book on this workshop, please contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The majority of tours are on set dates throughout the year, depending on demand. If you have your own group, we can provide additional dates for group bookings of 8 or more people.

Next date in 2012: 29th January

Typical Itinerary

Whilst details may change according to the demands of the day and preferences of the group, a typical photographic tour will look something like this.

• 08.00: Welcome and Safety Briefing
  
  • Over tea and coffee at the Jaguar Restaurant you'll meet Alex who is responsible for your group, get the chance to ask questions and put in any special requests you may have for the day. There’ll also be a safety briefing which is essential given the exclusive access you’ll enjoy throughout the day.

• 08:30: Classroom Photography Session
  
  • Learn to really be in control of your camera, instead of your camera controlling you. In this session you will get a comprehensive overview of all of the things you'll need to know about your camera to take great quality wildlife photographs. There is a Q&A session included in this, so you can get those questions you've always wanted answered, answered!

• 10.30: Morning Session
  
  • This session will cover a variety of animals including the playful and very active coati, the raccoon and the magnificent brown bears.
  • At the bears you'll encounter the first of our impressive open-fronted enclosures. These employ a moat and wall construction which is the best possible antidote to the curse of chain-link mesh. The landscaping of the enclosure is a natural wood setting which provides for both over-looking and eye-level angles on the bears.
  • Following the bears you'll meet the wolves. Here you'll also get the next best solution for overcoming the problem of chain-link mesh: under the close supervision of our senior keepers you'll get access to non-public areas on the other side of the stand-off barriers giving you great angles right through the mesh.

• 12.00: Lunch in the Jaguar Restaurant
  
  • During the season, choose from our extensive daily menu of freshly cooked food. Typical choices include a range of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes with chips, salads and rice. Given sufficient notice we can also cater for most special dietary requirements. Out of season you can be sure of hot panini, pasties, sausage rolls, soup or a range of sandwiches.

• 13.00: Afternoon Session
  
  • Meet the Big Cats! These include the African lion, Amur tiger, Siberian lynx, and Southern cheetah as well as Sovereign, our fantastic male jaguar. Here again you'll get the benefit of open-fronted enclosures on the jaguar and tigers as well as special behind the scenes access. This session will coincide with at least one feeding.

• 15.00: Afternoon Break
  
  • A chance to relax, charge your batteries, catch your breath over tea and coffee and reflect on a great day's photography. It's also a chance to plan the rest of your day.

• 15:30: Final Session
  
  • With so much more left to see, this is often an optional session. Choices include otters, agouti, vervet monkeys, or a visit to the walk-through where you'll find free-ranging birds, muntjak deer and pygmy goats.
  • There is also the possibility to revisit any of the earlier exhibits.

• 17:00: Close
  
  • Though you'll be saying goodbye to your guides at 5pm, the park remains open until 6pm so you'll be free to roam as you please within the public areas of the zoo.

Note: The timing and content of the itinerary may be subject to change at short notice according to availability of staff, animal feeding routines and husbandry requirements. The final itinerary will be designed to maximise opportunities for the best possible photographs on the day.

Give the gift of a life-changing experience...

Is there an animal-lover in your life who deserves a fantastic gift experience? Give someone you know the gift of a 'VIP Photography Workshop' at Dartmoor Zoo.

If you want to make a gift of an experience you need not worry about booking or the availability of the intended recipient. With a DZP Gift Certificate your animal-lover can book the experience at a time that suits them, so you can keep the surprise a secret until the ideal moment.

Worried it won't arrive on time?

In the busy run-up to Christmas, we can even email you a PDF that you can print out at your end. So you don't have to worry about the post not getting there on time. This service is available right up until 6pm on Christmas Eve. Just email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and let us know if you need this service.

Terms and Conditions:

The minimum age of persons allowed for this experience is 16 years of age and it is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant, has a high blood pressure, or is of a nervous disposition. You will be allowed to take photographs, but only at the discretion of the zoo staff. During the experience, instructions by zoo staff must be followed at all times and participation is allowed only on your acceptance of the strict health and safety requirements which you'll be required to sign on the day. Please note that this experience is subject to availability, conditions and animal welfare considerations. In the unlikely event that the experience cannot be conducted, reimbursement is limited to the refund of the experience fee alone.

For more information contact:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it