Just how do you get images of shy and rare predators looking straight at the camera, in good light and with perfect backgrounds? Patience, time, photoshop?
If neither of those appeal then there is another way. A better way.
Join me in Montana USA and get up close and personal to Siberian tiger, Snow leopard, Wolf pack and Grizzly bear. Also appearing in front of your camera are Lynx, Mountain lion, Bobcat, Coyote, Foxes and others. Capture them running towards you, leaping from rocks, rolling in the snow, snarling, standing in front of a mountain backdrop etc. etc.
They are placed in their natural surroundings for wild looking images and, without the natural hardships faced by their truly wild cousins, these animals are in peak condition and are just asking for you to press the button. The trip will occur when a covering of snow is most likely and is an interesting element to the shot as well as adding additional lighting.
Pictures of iconic species such as those represented at this facility are extremely popular and, whether your reason for photography is for enjoyment or commercial gain, the images that can be obtained at this location would be a great addition to anyone’s portfolio.
Several of the images I took on a similar trip a few years ago have become among my most published. Their use includes 2 magazine covers, WWF snow leopard campaign leaflet, several calendars as well as multiple book and magazine uses. Considering they represent only a small percentage of my portfolio this is by far my most successful trip to date.
Of course not everyone is looking to sell their images and spending time with these magnificent creatures is reward enough for most. It is a real thrill to be able to have the opportunity to get so close to these animals separated not by fences, barriers or glass but only by cool, fresh mountain air.
When I say separated, don’t think they are a football pitch away. you are often just a few feet away from these magnificent creatures therefore a 100-400mm lens is perfect for this trip, 70-200mm almost as good. There is a large variety of species including Snow leopard, Siberian tiger, Grey wolf, Arctic fox, Coyote, Red fox, Canadian lynx, Bobcat, Grizzly bear and Mountain lion and historically there is often a good amount of snow around at the timing of the next trip which is early March 2024. Details to be finalised and will appear soon.