Wildlife Photography at Dartmoor Zoo

Whatever your interest in photography, whether you're an enthusiastic amateur or a seasoned professional, a Guided Photography Workshop at DZP 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 non-public areas maximising the opportunity for truly unique photographs.

What people say

The whole day was fantastic. The zoo staff made us feel very welcome, and were great at knowing how and when we might get the best views of the animals.

They made it possible for us to get wonderful photos of Sita and Sovereign in particular. The experience of viewing the lions up close was probably the most memorable of the day - we hadn't realised that photography could be such an adrenalin rush!Extremely knowledgeable both about photography and wildlife, and great at explaining both.

Lunch was really good, and a good opportunity to warm up on a cold day! All in all, we would recommend the workshop highly as a fun, informative and awe-inspiring experience. Thank you! -- Tom Breare

Booking and Prices

We can cater for individuals and groups of five or more people.

Individuals:     £199.00 per day (+1 = £99.00)
Groups:           £89.00 per head (minimum 5 people)

To purchase a tour, please contact George Hyde.

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.

• 10.00: Welcome and Safety Briefing
  
  • Over tea and coffee at the Jaguar Restaurant you'll meet the staff 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.

• 10.45: Morning Session
  
  • 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.
  • At the wolf enclosure, you'll get exclusive asscess to non-public areas providing unique angles on the wolves whilst avoiding the mesh.

• 12.00: Lunch in the Jaguar Restaurant
  
  • Choose from our extensive daily menu of hot food and snacks. 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. We also have a range of hot panini, 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 the possibility of special behind the scenes access. This session will coincide with at least one feeding.

• 14.30: Afternoon Break
  
  • A chance to relax, charge your batteries (literally), 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.

• 15:00: 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, wallaby and pygmy goats.
  • There is also the possibility to revisit any of the earlier exhibits.

• 16:00: Close
  
  • At the end of the day you'll get the chance to look over your images and for those who need it, there'll be a digital image editing workshop.
  • Though you'll be saying goodbye to your guides, the park remains open until 6pm in Summer so you'll be free to roam as you please within the public areas of the zoo.

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

The whole day was fantastic. The zoo staff made us feel very welcome, and were great at knowing how and when we might get the best views of the animals. Huge thanks to George and Colin who made it possible for us to get wonderful photos of Sita and Sovereign in particular. The experience of viewing the lions up close was probably the most memorable of the day - we hadn't realised that photography could be such an adrenalin rush! Andy who ran the workshop was great - extremely knowledgeable both about photography and wildlife, and he was great at explaining both. Lunch was really good, and a good opportunity to warm up on a cold day! All in all, we would recommend the workshop highly as a fun, informative and awe-inspiring experience. Thank you.