Get closer to more Big Cats than anywhere else in the UK.
The Big Cat Sanctuary is the only venue in the UK home to all the Big Five cats, offering a rare opportunity to photograph big cats at close range. Our exclusive 1:1 workshops are designed for amateur photographers looking to develop their wildlife photography, with private stand-off access and full tuition from our Lead Photographer throughout your session.
Your day begins with a H&S and camera briefing, before you head out on site to some of our most photogenic enclosures. At each stop, our Lead Photographer will talk you through camera settings suited to the natural light, covering exposure, composition, white balance, and aperture/shutter speed, giving you every opportunity to try new techniques, build your portfolio, and develop your own style. Depending on feed days and Cat Team availability, you may also have the chance to witness a feed or enrichment session along the way.
Book HereFull Day 1:1 — £450 per person
A full day
- Welcome refreshment on arrival
- Pre-session H&S and camera briefing
- Stand-off area access throughout the day
- Full tuition from our Lead Photographer
- Lunch available to buy at Heritage, our on-site restaurant (pre-book only)
- The complete Big Cat Sanctuary photography experience
Half Day 1:1 — £225 per person
9.00am to 12.00pm, or 1.00pm to 4.00pm
- Welcome refreshment on arrival
- Pre-session H&S and camera briefing
- Private stand-off access
- Full tuition from our Lead Photographer
- You’re welcome to remain on site until 4.00pm
- Lunch available to pre-book at Heritage, our on-site restaurant
- Add a p.m. session (1.00pm to 4.00pm) for an additional £225, subject to availability
Bring someone along
Rates apply per additional person joining your session.
- Additional photographer, full day: £350 per person
- Additional photographer, half day: £175 per person
- Non-photo guest, full day: £250 per person
- Non-photo guest, half day: £125 per person
Good to know
- This experience is suitable for participants aged 16 and over
- Please arrive by 9.00am
- Please let us know of any dietary requirements ahead of your visit if you’d like to pre-book lunch at Heritage
- This is an active, outdoor experience, please check the weather forecast and wear appropriate footwear (no open-toe sandals) and suitable clothing for the conditions
- Please let us know of any mobility or medical conditions that may affect your safety or participation
- Lenses up to 400mm are recommended, tripods and monopods are not permitted in stand-off areas
- Professional photographers are warmly invited to contact our Lead Photographer directly to discuss pricing and itinerary
- For any questions, our Lead Photographer, Alma Leaper, is on hand at photography@thebigcatsanctuary.org
Join a small group of like-minded photographers for a shared session amongst our cats, ideal for those with a good grasp of camera settings looking to sharpen their technique.
You’ll enjoy prime position around the enclosures within our stand-off areas, with H&S guidance and camera advice given before you head out on site. At each enclosure, our Lead Photographer will share settings suited to the day’s natural light, giving you the chance to try new techniques alongside fellow photographers. Depending on feed days and Cat Team availability, you may also have the chance to see a feed or enrichment session during your visit.
Book HereFrom £100 per person 9.00am to 12.00pm, or 1.00pm to 4.00pm
- Welcome refreshment on arrival
- Pre-session H&S and camera advice from our Lead Photographer
- Stand-off area access throughout the day
- Lunch available to buy at Heritage, our on-site restaurant (pre-book only)
- Option to add an afternoon session, subject to availability
Good to know
- This experience is suitable for participants aged 16 and over
- Groups require a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 photographers, non-photo guests aren’t able to join group sessions
- If fewer than 3 bookings are received, we may need to reschedule your workshop, we’ll always contact you as early as possible if this applies
- Please arrive by 9.00am
- This is an active, outdoor experience, please check the weather forecast and wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions
- Please let us know of any mobility or medical conditions that may affect your safety or participation
- For any questions, our Lead Photographer, Alma Leaper, is on hand at photography@thebigcatsanctuary.org
A half-day introduction to wildlife photography, created especially for our younger photographers.
Designed for 16 and 17 year olds, this workshop offers the same close access to our cats as our adult sessions, with full tuition and H&S guidance from our Lead Photographer throughout. Perfect for GCSE & A Level students. It’s a wonderful opportunity to build confidence behind the camera, try new techniques, and take home a set of images to be proud of, all within a safe and supportive setting.
BookYoung Adult — £185 per person, half day
9.00am to 12.00pm
- H&S guidance and full tuition throughout from our Lead Photographer
- Stand-off area access included
- Lunch available to buy at Heritage, our on-site restaurant (pre-book only)
- If accompanied by an adult, you’re warmly invited to enjoy free roam of the Sanctuary after lunch until 4.00pm
Adult Escort — £125 per adult, no camera
- Must be aged 18 or over
- Accompanies the young participant throughout their session
- Phone photography permitted on silent mode, dedicated camera equipment isn’t included for escorts
- Phones must remain on silent at all times within the stand-off areas
- Lunch available to buy at Heritage, our on-site restaurant (pre-book only)
Good to know
- This experience is designed for participants aged 16 to 17
- An adult aged 18+ is welcome to accompany and escort throughout, and is required for free roam of the Sanctuary after the session
- Lunch must be pre-booked
- This is an active, outdoor experience, please check the weather forecast and wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions
- Please let us know of any mobility or medical conditions that may affect safety or participation
- For any questions, our Lead Photographer, Alma Leaper, is on hand at photography@thebigcatsanctuary.org