Calling all photographers!
Photography experiences at Watatunga are a camera adventure like no other!
Whether you are a budding photographer, a seasoned pro or just keen on wildlife, our photography tours provide the ideal opportunity to capture some incredible wildlife images.
Our 3-hour photography tours offer you the unique opportunity to leave the trailer and approach your subjects on foot under the supervision of our expert guides, allowing you the freedom compose your perfect photo. This is the perfect chance to get close to nature, extend your photography skills and learn more about the work we do, going home with pictures to be proud of.
We offer two different options – a photography experience with tuition (3.5hrs) and an untutored experience (3hrs). See which might suit you best below!
Photography experience with tuition: Before setting off in our large safari trailer with an expert Watatunga guide and a visiting photography specialist, you’ll be greeted with a hot drink at Watatunga Reception. Here you’ll be briefed on recommended camera settings, considering environmental factors such as weather and daylight. Once you’re all set, you’ll embark on a 2-hour tour in search of Watatunga’s stunning birds and animals, and under the auspices of our team, you will be able to disembark from the trailer at strategic points and capture your perfect shots. Afterwards, reconvene back at reception to review your best photos and discuss editing tips with your tutor over complimentary refreshments. Better suited to those of a beginner to intermediate level, although open to everyone. £85 per person
Photography experience without tuition: an exclusive three-hour tour with an expert Watatunga guide in search of Watatunga’s stunning birds and animals, with plenty of opportunities to disembark the trailer to capture your perfect shot. This tour is ideal for independent photographers and smaller photographic clubs. £50 per person
We have been really lucky to work with some wonderful photographers since we opened in 2020, those including Harry Lessman, Helen Black, Jim Barrett-Smith and Phil Stone. Each with the most wonderful enthusiasm for wildlife and photographic expertise.
Harry was the first photographer to come and capture marketing images for us here. We have worked closely with him since before we opened in 2020 and he led the first photography experience of 2023! He and a small group of 5 headed out with tour guide Julian earlier this year and had a ball, returning to base with plenty of shots and editing advice.
Helen has always been mad on animals since she was a little girl when she started to visit her local zoo at Hamerton. They have used so many of her photos for their social media feeds, guidebooks and calendars which she finds very rewarding. She has been visiting Watatunga since 2020 and is always so generous to share her work with us, she even captured our teams’ headshots on her last visit!
Jim is a safari, dog and wedding photographer, based in Norfolk. In 2017, Jim launched his wedding photography business, followed three years later (during lockdown) by a dog photography business in a custom-built studio. He has been a regular face at Watatunga for some time now; coming along on tours, helping with the marketing of our BBQ hut and leading his own photography experience last season.
Phil and his wife Diana have been guests at Major’s Lodge since 2020, with their 10th visit pending this September! Phil is to thank for the majority of our social and marketing images; he spends at least 5 out of 7 days of his stay in the reserve, from dawn until dusk. The whole team are filled with excitement whenever he and Diana come to stay – not only were we lucky to receive photos from their last stay, but also a folk band!
The next photography experience with expert tuition will run Sunday 11th June at 4pm, with knowledge and guidance from Helen Black! Max participants: 10. A minimum of 6 must attend for this tour to go ahead.
The next photography experiences without tuition are as follows:
- Sunday 28th May at 3:30pm
- Thursday 1st June at 5:00pm
- Monday 19th June at 5:00pm
- Sunday 23rd July at 5:00pm
- Tuesday 15th August at 5:00pm
Maximum participants: 12. A minimum of 6 must attend for these tours to go ahead.
All availability and booking can be found here.