View Full Version : Big Cat Experience
I am thinking of going to one of the big cat days that Practical Photography organise. Has anyone got any thoughts or experiences on these?
http://www.photographymags.co.uk/nav?page=photography.contentspage&view_resource=6020694
Thanks
Rob
Just had a look at the link Rob, looks like a good day out to me, I may be interested myself. When are you thinking of going?
Just had a look at the link Rob, looks like a good day out to me, I may be interested myself. When are you thinking of going?
Was thinking of May 19th or 20th as got the day off for my America trip that is now not happening :( no 30D no L glass, but don't start me on that :'(
Bugger :( I'm away that weekend. Oh well :shrug:
is the 2nd of june any better for you? not on call that weekend so could do that on the saturday
Oooh yeah 2nd June is good for me :D
well that has the potential for a day out followed by a curry followed by a whisky or two,
Sadlybrokeboy
19-04-2007, 17:15
Rob,
I went on one last year, and I can heartily recommend it! It really is well worth the trek to Ashford!!
I thoroughly enjoyed it - the access to the cats was simply amazing, I've never been brushed by a lion or charged at by a leopard before! (All safe of course!) And the pro's and the PP people were so approachable and helpful - really made the day complete.
Oh and of course because of the access some of the shots you get are amazing - I've posted a couple of them on another thread - I'll dig out the thread and put it here :)
Just my tuppence worth anyway! :)
Here's some shots I've found I've already got on photobucket, you can see from the range of the shots how close you get - and to give you an idea these were all taken with my 20D and 100mm Macro lens :)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f307/matt173/leopard_1Small.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f307/matt173/cheetah_1.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f307/matt173/LionsPawSmall.jpg
Matt
Thanks for posting those and your comments, looks like a good day out and not too expensive either :)
magpieant
19-04-2007, 18:01
Hi there.
I too was thinking about doing this course via Prac Photography.
HOWEVER, if you contact the centre yourself, they also do admission and exclusive access. Obviously you won't get the guidance of the 'experts', but you will get up close and personal and save a few quid!!! I rang the centre and the guy I spoke to was very helpful and informative.
I've got the number somewhere if you wish to contact the centre.
Good luck and let me know how you get on.
Cheers, ANTH
I did one of these a couple years ago, if you check the Big Cat thread nearly all of my pics i posted in there were from that !
Heres the place http://www.whf.org.uk/
I would be up for going on one of these again ! :)
Its not looking too promising for dates, but have emailed the people who run it and see what happens
http://www.chriswestonsafaris.co.uk/photo_561476.html
These do it there as well http://www.experience-seminars.co.uk/photoshoot/01.php and so do these :) http://www.photographersonsafari.com/
When i went i went with Experience Seminars.
minimeeze
20-04-2007, 17:30
I'd be interested, dependant upon dates.
photostar_1
20-04-2007, 20:11
Me toooooo!
Wild arena do simialar things as well, its who we went to knowsley with.
http://www.wildarena.com/index.asp?&cid=2
minimeeze
30-04-2007, 16:07
Any news on this yet?
I contacted the person who PP use, and his sessions are totally full. Will have a look at alternative companies once the boss stops making me earn my living!
Matt Charlton
30-04-2007, 16:24
http://www.wildarena.com/index.asp?&ctid=68&cid=2&vid=8
25th june - places available
hypnotic
30-04-2007, 21:41
I have been looking at booking a big cat photo day at a wildlife foundation in Kent.
Tea / coffee on arrival
Buffet lunch
Afternoon tea and cakes
Dedicated guide during duration of your time on site
Free car parking
The day will last 7 hours
Not fixed a date yet ... But would anybody be interested in going?
It should cost about £55 per head
:canon:
Matt Charlton
30-04-2007, 21:44
What kind of enclosures are the cats in? Are they in fairly big paddocks with nice easy fence to shoot through?
The Wildlife Heritage Foundation in Kent is the same place Experience/Wild Arena et al all go to ! so is the same enclosures ! ;)
Hypnotic, depending on dates id definitely be up for going back there ! WHF is a great place :)
Taken at my last visit :)
http://www.cookster.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/0810-152558-01.jpg
hypnotic
30-04-2007, 21:47
The Wildlife Heritage Foundation in Kent is the same place Experience/Wild Arena et al all go to ! so is the same enclosures ! ;)
But go to them directly and it is under half the price!
Matt Charlton
30-04-2007, 21:48
Well at £55 per head we'd definately be up for it without a doubt, moomike too I would wager.
yeah sorry i was editing my post when you put that Hypnotic ! :)
hypnotic
30-04-2007, 21:53
They will take between ten and fifteen people per day.
If enough people want to go we might get two days out of it.
id probably persuade my brother to go as well (again depending on dates)
Thats a right pain!
I was bought a big cat day for my Birthday recently and I know it cost a lot more ( over double) than £55! its in Hertfordshire though so its a little closer.
and booked for Sept. Otherwise I would have jumped at it!
minimeeze
30-04-2007, 22:01
I'd definitely be interested if the dates are ok :)
Cobra that probably the Santago leopard project in Welwyn :) should be a good day mate ! have heard good things about there !
Cobra that probably the Santago leopard project in Welwyn :) should be a good day mate ! have heard good things about there !
Just Checked Ian, Your spot on!
Chris
Depending on dates I would love to go especially at that price.
hypnotic
01-05-2007, 13:09
Okay .....
Had a chat with them this morning and the boss man was out. Found out that the 23rd & 24th June is free at the moment as well as 1st & 2nd September.
No confirmation as yet but waiting for them to get back to me.
I was told the price for these days has gone up to £70. After telling the lady that I was led to believe it was £55 she did say that they may honour that price. :thumbs:
Give me an idea on the numbers who want to go on one of these please and when I know more I will see if admin will turn it into a sticky.
ill definitely be up for the june dates, either of them or maybe both ;) , my brother wont be able to though, so just me.
Count Beverley and I in :thumbs:
Matt Charlton
01-05-2007, 22:03
oooh we'll finally get to meet up Paul :D
be good to see you and Bev again, Paul ! :)
Matt Charlton
01-05-2007, 22:28
:( Oh well, it'll be nice to see you again Ian :p
davec_uk
01-05-2007, 22:35
ill definitely be up for the june dates, either of them or maybe both ;) , my brother wont be able to though, so just me.
Actually, I could probably do the 23rd. Aerosmith and :beer: beckons on the 24th.
Actually, I could probably do the 23rd. Aerosmith and :beer: beckons on the 24th.
Ah thought you needed to be home on the 23rd ! lol my mistake !
:( Oh well, it'll be nice to see you again Ian :p
Don't worry, I know he still loves you, he's told me so ;)
Some decision on dates would be helpful as I need to plan off duty.
Sorry to be annoying. :(
either 23/24 June if that fits in with everybody else ?
Just checked and I can't do 23rd I'm afraid, 24th should be ok though
hypnotic
02-05-2007, 17:30
Another update.
Not going to be able to talk to them now until after the bank holiday.
The boss of the centre is on holiday until Thursday and I have to go to Germany for a couple of days.
Should be able to fix down a date on Tuesday Next.... (Sorry Sue)
June weekend looks favourite at the moment then?
:canon:
not a problem i just might need to swap shifts and things that all so the more notice the better
FranchiseJuan
02-05-2007, 18:02
I am kind of new around here, but can I still put my name up for this?
I am kind of new around here, but can I still put my name up for this?
Yep of course you can ! :)
hypnotic
02-05-2007, 18:08
All welcome.
Just keep your fingers crossed that we can get a date. This venue is very popular and it is a bit of a last minute thing.
FranchiseJuan
02-05-2007, 18:09
This is kind of perfect as 25th of June is my birthday!!! :) And the week after is two great weeks of tennis.
Also got to figure out how to get there as I don't own a car (spent the money on equipment instead.... lol)
hypnotic
02-05-2007, 18:16
I am sure someone could give you a lift.
It's like a big family in here :D
FranchiseJuan
02-05-2007, 18:24
Catford Bridge in London. I can get to a station in Kent if needed.
im sure we can sort something out once dates etc are finalised ! :)
minimeeze
02-05-2007, 20:55
23/24th June is my weekend to work, so can't do then :( I know you can't please everyone, so I'll hang on for another time if it turns out to be that weekend.
23/24th June is my weekend to work, so can't do then :( I know you can't please everyone, so I'll hang on for another time if it turns out to be that weekend.
Damn Cheryl, its always the way isnt it !
photostar_1
07-05-2007, 10:35
I like the sound of this...can I come (pretty please)? :)
minky_monkey
09-05-2007, 19:04
Count me in....!
photostar_1
09-05-2007, 19:52
Oooops! just had a phone call from number 1 son......he needs collecting from Uni that weekend, so sorry but no can do now :(
Did we finalise a date for this ? or know any more ? :)
I went to the event on 6th July in Kent. Weather was good and it was an excellent day. Would recommend it to anyone got really close up to the cats and some great pics :)
Argh - bet my husband wished he'd seen this - he just forked out £135 for the Experience Seminar one on Saturday which I went to :D
I'd go again though - one where they feed them would be good
theMusicMan
20-08-2007, 20:22
Anyone know of any similar events such as this one going on soon...? I'd love to attend one of these.
blimey this is next weekend LOL 1st September ! Hope we are all prepared ? ;)
If the plans for this are for next year, and include whisky afterwards, definately count me IN!! :D
Having done an owl day, looking forward to more of these kind of things, so add my name to that list please! :thumbs:
Edit - I do mean if this one is good of course! ;)
photostar_1
23-08-2007, 23:33
blimey this is next weekend LOL 1st September ! Hope we are all prepared ? ;)
Can't wait! Only got a 70-200mm with a x2 converter though....will that be enough reach?
Should be plenty you get very close :)
This is 100-400 at 190mm !
http://www.cookster.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/0810-135626-01-01.jpg
minimeeze
24-08-2007, 11:30
I can't go on this now :'( so I hope you all have a great time and I'll be jealous looking at all the fab shots posted.
I can't go on this now :'( so I hope you all have a great time and I'll be jealous looking at all the fab shots posted.
Hope you have a good excuse and a letter from your parents ;) heheheheh
Shame you cant make it Cheryl
minimeeze
24-08-2007, 18:10
Hope you have a good excuse and a letter from your parents ;) heheheheh
Shame you cant make it Cheryl
Is a letter from my doctor who did just my op a good enough excuse sir? ;) :p
Is a letter from my doctor who did just my op a good enough excuse sir? ;) :p
Hmmmm, not really but we will let you off this once, just dont do it again ;)
hypnotic
24-08-2007, 20:45
Just to let all that are going on this ....
I will be sending you all a pm tonight to let you all know who is going (It has changed a bit)
I will also need to know of any special dietary requirements you may have for the lunch.
Catch you later .... :)
photostar_1
24-08-2007, 21:15
Sorry you are not coming Min....hope you ok. If you change your mind and need a bed on the friday night, let me know. I'm staying near to Leeds castle at my mum-in-laws and she will happily put up an extra.
minimeeze
24-08-2007, 21:35
Sorry you are not coming Min....hope you ok. If you change your mind and need a bed on the friday night, let me know. I'm staying near to Leeds castle at my mum-in-laws and she will happily put up an extra.
Thanks for the offer, but unfortunately I will not be able to go as I only had my op yesterday and really don't think I'll be up to walking round lots by next week. Am gutted, as I really wanted to go :'(
place isnt huge if thats any help Min ? and some of the cages are very close to where you can park !
Some fantastic shots here!:thumbs:
It scares me S***less when I see one of these in real life, but some of these pictures make my hair stand on end! Honestly.:embarrassed:
Anyway here's mine:
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s48/spencer_100/bristol-zoo20Medium.jpg?t=1187989047
I had to change my underwear after I took this one!:lol::'(
Hope you all have a good time next weekend, sorry we cant be there, would have enjoyed it. Hopefully there will be another one :)
minky_monkey
27-08-2007, 17:10
Can't wait! Only got a 70-200mm with a x2 converter though....will that be enough reach?
That`s the only thing that`s concerning me! I`ve only got the 70-200 f4 is. Fingers crossed!
Can`t wait!:D
That`s the only thing that`s concerning me! I`ve only got the 70-200 f4 is. Fingers crossed!
Can`t wait!:D
Should be plenty, ill be taking the 100-400 and 600 and i doubt the 600 will come out of the bag lol my brother has a Sigma 70-200 2.8 and 1.4 TC and suspect he will be using that and having no issues at all :)
If it comes to it i may have a 1.4 TC not being used you could borrow on the day.
theMusicMan
27-08-2007, 18:19
I would love to join you on one of these events folks. I can't wait until the new Zuiko 70-300 lens comes out in Sept/Oct - I am also going to get the x1.4 teleconverter to go with it.
minky_monkey
27-08-2007, 18:49
Should be plenty, ill be taking the 100-400 and 600 and i doubt the 600 will come out of the bag lol my brother has a Sigma 70-200 2.8 and 1.4 TC and suspect he will be using that and having no issues at all :)
If it comes to it i may have a 1.4 TC not being used you could borrow on the day.
That`d be really great.:notworthy:
I'm really looking forward to this tomorrow. I've just checked the weather and it's looking like it'll be partly cloudy with sunny intervals, but crucially, no rain :D
Looking forward to catching up with those who I've met before and meeting some of you for the first time :thumbs: Should be a great day.
And thanks to Hypnotic for all the effort in getting this organinsed ;)
I'm really looking forward to this tomorrow. I've just checked the weather and it's looking like it'll be partly cloudy with sunny intervals, but crucially, no rain :D
Looking forward to catching up with those who I've met before and meeting some of you for the first time :thumbs: Should be a great day.
And thanks to Hypnotic for all the effort in getting this organinsed ;)
I would agree with that :)
FranchiseJuan
31-08-2007, 12:28
I already have my train tickets for the day, so the only ways that I will not get there are:
1) I oversleep tomorrow morning.
2) Nobody bothers to pick me up from the station.
I guess both are equally likely..... :lol::D
minky_monkey
31-08-2007, 12:39
Charging things up as I type......
hypnotic
31-08-2007, 19:20
I already have my train tickets for the day, so the only ways that I will not get there are:
1) I oversleep tomorrow morning.
2) Nobody bothers to pick me up from the station.
I guess both are equally likely..... :lol::D
I may just give you an early morning call .... Just to be on the safe side .. :D
Everything on charge here ready for the morning.
Cannot wait to meet up with you all.
:canon:
Oooh bugger, camera! I knew there was something I had to bring with me :lol:
Go www.wildarena.com
Ace day out. :)
hypnotic
31-08-2007, 19:27
Oooh bugger, camera! I knew there was something I had to bring with me :lol:
Don't forget Jonny ... :shrug:
Don't forget Jonny ... :shrug:
I thought we were photographing the cats, not shagging them :eek: :lol:
.............oh hang on, you mean Jonnyreb :shrug:
minimeeze
31-08-2007, 20:37
I thought we were photographing the cats, not shagging them :eek: :lol:
.............oh hang on, you mean Jonnyreb :shrug:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/3316/tfr612ix4.gif
FranchiseJuan
01-09-2007, 20:23
Ok so today was great and everyone was so nice!!! Who is posting up the official thread? I had a quick look through my images (7gigs) and I got a few really nice ones.
lmao
Ill start a thread i have only just got home and am still downloading my images lol
FranchiseJuan
01-09-2007, 20:47
Funny how mr sleepy head is so eager right?
minky_monkey
02-09-2007, 08:50
What a fantastic day!
Absolutely terrific!
:agree: and it was great to catch up with you all again and meet some of you for the first time :thumbs:
Just downloading my pics now so hopefully I'll have a few to spam the "Big Cat Thread" with ;)
minky_monkey
02-09-2007, 13:18
I been boring my friends senseless since returning yesterday!:lol:
One of them said "So you don`t go very close to them then?"
Then I showed her the picture of me stroking the lion..:p
I`ve got some serious editing to do, I took about 600 but I deleted about 120 that were either very close duplicates or just rubbish!
That bloody ocelot, how hard was it to get a photo of him running?:eek: I`ve got one, and that`s it! Plenty of half his backside going out of the shot.....
Book me in for the next one!
So was it a good day for everyone?
hypnotic
02-09-2007, 14:28
Cannot speak for everyone but I had a great time ... :)
Going to book another two days for next year.
Nice edit Martin .. :D
minky_monkey
02-09-2007, 14:33
:lol:
Oh yeah!:lol:
A huge thanks for putting the trip together.
davec_uk
02-09-2007, 14:33
I've signed up for Membership!
So I guess I enjoyed it.
photostar_1
02-09-2007, 14:37
It was fabulous! Thanks Kev for organising etc.
minimeeze
04-09-2007, 11:04
Cannot speak for everyone but I had a great time ... :)
Going to book another two days for next year.
Give me plenty of warning so I can book the day off work. Can't do May as I'll be in Canada :)
Sadlybrokeboy
04-09-2007, 11:11
If you do end up booking another one for next year, I'd definitely be up for it!!
Matt
im already down for as many as can be booked ;)
hypnotic
04-09-2007, 19:33
im already down for as many as can be booked ;)
Looks like I need to book more than three days for next year then? ... :D
:canon:
if you book them, i will be be there ! ;)
Looks like I need to book more than three days for next year then? ... :D
Looking that way Kev :thumbs:
I'll attend as many as as we can book ;) Having looked through some of my shots I've already found a few things I want to try differently next time
hypnotic
04-09-2007, 20:16
Looking that way Kev :thumbs:
I'll attend as many as as we can book ;) Having looked through some of my shots I've already found a few things I want to try differently next time
Just phoned your place to talk to you! .... You are supposed to be working .... :shrug:
:canon:
pmsl! I am so busted :D I am working, honest - I just keep nipping back to my computer lol :lol:
Damn missed this by a few days! Do post up if another bunch of you are going down, would love joinin in.
King of Groove
05-09-2007, 10:03
I'd be interested in going next time.
Has anyone been to Santago Wild Cat Sanctuary? Went there last year. Very good.
hypnotic
05-09-2007, 20:15
I'd be interested in going next time.
Has anyone been to Santago Wild Cat Sanctuary? Went there last year. Very good.
Just spent the last ten minutes trying to Google "Santago Wild Cat Sanctuary"
I thought it might be one we could plan a TP meet at.
Nearest I could find was "Santiago WildCat Sanctuary" in America!!!
Bit far me thinks ... :thinking:
:canon:
Just spent the last ten minutes trying to Google "Santago Wild Cat Sanctuary"
I thought it might be one we could plan a TP meet at.
Nearest I could find was "Santiago WildCat Sanctuary" in America!!!
Bit far me thinks ... :thinking:
:canon:
http://www.pantherclub.co.uk/Georges/santago/santago.htm
Is the other place experience etc go to based roughly in Welwyn Garden City.
Dayum.... I missed this by a couple of days too.! I'd be up for another . Maybe we could start a thread listing all the possible topic/themes for a photoshoot day out . Must be lots of other good ones out there. ie Motor racing, Wildlife, Airshow, Film locations, Boating, Bird sanctuary/bird of prey, etc
can't wait to see ya pics
Dayum.... I missed this by a couple of days too.! I'd be up for another . Maybe we could start a thread listing all the possible topic/themes for a photoshoot day out . Must be lots of other good ones out there. ie Motor racing, Wildlife, Airshow, Film locations, Boating, Bird sanctuary/bird of prey, etc
can't wait to see ya pics
Pics are here :) http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=32023
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