Crocodile Photo Workshop Crocodiles are some of the most feared and yet revered predators on the planet. Photographing them is a real privilege but extremely difficult without travelling to the exotic locations where they live. I have joined forces with Shaun Foggett star of the Channel 5 programme “Croc Man” and owner of Britain's first and only crocodile zoo to provide probably the very best opportunities to photograph these exceptional creatures in the UK; nowhere else will you have the opportunity to see such a wide collection of crocodiles, alligators and caimans.

The zoo moved to a new purpose built location in early 2014 and houses over 100 individual animals representing more than 14 species including a Nile crocodiles, American alligators, extremely rare Siamese and Cuban Crocodiles and black caiman and the collection is continually growing with the introduction of new species. The specimens at the centre range from newly hatched babies to 3m long giants. All are housed in purposed built enclosures with large water and equally large land areas. The water areas have glass fronts providing excellent opportunities for underwater viewing and

photography

Crocodiles are believed to have changed very little in the past 20 million years. They may even have been around during the extinction of the dinosaurs. In the wild these large, aquatic reptiles congregate in the slow-moving rivers and swamps of Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas - the perfect places from which to ambush prey. Many populations are now endangered and protected, having come under pressure

from hunting and habitat loss and are hard to see even in their traditional habitats. It is the larger species, such as the Nile and saltwater crocodiles, that pose a real threat to humans.

Whilst crocodiles don’t eat every day I have arranged special feeding session and times for our group with particular species. The centre houses a large collection of Nile Crocodiles. We will have unique access to photograph a feeding session as these animals leap out of the water powered by their muscular tails. By special arrangement we will also photograph some baby crocodilians in a special set under artificial lights and if available crocodile eggs.

The zoo also has a collection of other reptiles including monitor lizards, snakes and terrapins. We will be able to enter the enclosure with a 5 foot monitor lizard and in the summer (weather permitting) be able to take him out on the grass to get some fantastic “natural” shots.

As with all my workshops I aim to provide opportunities for you to learn about the animals you are photographing as well as the best photographic techniques for capturing images of them. Shaun and his staff will be with us all day and as well as handling and feeding the specimens will be happy to answer any of your questions about these amazing and persecuted reptiles, their requirements, ecology, breeding habits, distribution or any other aspect of their lives.

The centre / zoo is based in West Oxfordshire and the workshop will start at 10:00 till around 4:00 with a 1 hour break during which you are more than welcome to continue taking photos if you wish. The centre has a cafeteria where you can buy sandwiches, sweets and hot and cold drinks. The centre

also has a small shop where you can buy souvenirs and crocodile related memorabilia.

We will start the workshop with an introduction from the staff and brief tour of the centre and a briefing from me on the programme for the day including any fixed points e.g. feeding times.

As your wildlife photographer guide I will be on hand all day to assist by explaining relevant techniques, camera settings etc. I limit the number attending this workshop to a maximum of just 6 so that I can spend as much time with each of you as you'd like or want and to give you the very best opportunity to capture really great photos.

All costs, dates and avaiability are advertised on my website, www.naturesphotos.co.uk, and other All All costs, dates may be available if groups wanted to book them. Please contact me for further information.

The charge for the day includes full photographic tuition and venue guides plus entrance to the venue

To book places or for more information please visit my website www.naturesphotos.co.uk and follow links to UK workshops or contact me direct:

Bob Brind-Surch on 01327 352505 or 07983 427202 (preferred)

or email info@naturesphotos.co.uk