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Natural Wonders Photography
Tylwyth Teg
Llanigon
Hay on Wye
Hereford
HR3 5QA
United Kingdom
Natural Wonders Photography
Tylwyth Teg
Llanigon
Hay on Wye
Hereford
HR3 5QA
United Kingdom
Natural Wonders Photography provides the opportunity for everyone from complete beginners to professionals to experience the wonders of the natural world in many different locations in the UK and overseas. All locations are chosen to enable you, the client, to obtain great images from the best possible position and settings. Our aim is always for you to have a great experience in a relaxed and friendly way.
From meeting you at Heathrow Airport everything was well organised and clearly well thought out. The one night stay at the Fairlight Beach House at Umdloti Beach was nice and relaxing after our long flight and helped to acclimatise to the South African time zone. Our transport to the Game Reserve was comfortable and the arrival greeting from the staff at Zimanga was courteous and very professional. Whilst the schedule you had planned was demanding with early rising and late sunset drives, it was totally rewarding and we were able to get the best of the morning and evening light plus see the animals before the day's heat set in and they went to sleep! The food at the resort was first class and nothing was too much trouble to the staff, including always making sure my favoured drinks were chilled and ready after our sunset drives. My room was excellent with everything I'd expect staying at a 5 star hotel anywhere in the world.
The photography opportunities were unbelievable, which was mainly due to our excellent driver and guide Johno (whom I insisted in always calling JonJo). He knew where to find whatever animal we wanted to photograph and always positioned our land cruiser in the right place for the photo. He was a fountain of knowledge telling me so much about the animals and their habitat, and was even able to convince me to walk close to the cheetahs after I initially declined to get out of the vehicle. From the first morning when he drove us into a pride of lions trying to (unsuccessfully) take down a Hippopotamus until our final evening drive when we witnessed two cheetahs hunting and catching a young impala, he made our trip an unforgettable experience.
Probably the most memorable experience was our 3 nights in the all night hides Zimanga has. We went into them at about 2 to 3pm and stayed there until 8am the next morning. Firstly they were comfortable, with bunks, a kitchen and a loo and most importantly aircon. Our first night was fairly uneventful with a buffalo lying down asleep just opposite our viewing window and spending most of the night there and hence very few other animals visited, however our next two nights were very eventful with elephants, rhino, buffalo, giraffes, monkeys, impalas, warthogs and a host of other animals visiting the waterhole in front of the hide and posing for some great photos.
When it came to our time to leave Zimanga I felt sad but exhilarated and inspired by the whole experience. Our flight back to the UK was comfortable but as I walked out to my car in the cold driving rain that greeted us at my local airport, I couldn't wait to be back on one of those early morning game drives as the sun rose on a warm and eventful day at Zimanga.
Thank you Janette
The Birds of Prey Workshop in the Shropshire Hills is an incredible experience where the birds are shown and flown to perfection by Chris Neal. His experience and ability to pass on his knowledge in a very easy manner is matched by the way Janette is there with quiet, friendly advice on all aspects of photography as well as making sure we are looked after too. That latter point is a bit important for absent minded near octagenarians who leave lenses. wellies and walking sticks at home on the kitchen table!
On arrival I was shown to a very comfortable single room with shared bathing facilities along the corridor, and immediately felt relaxed and at home. Sumptuous meals, hearty breakfasts, afternoon teas, home made cakes and pastries, wonderful suppers of warming chicken casseroles were provided by Morag.
Our tutors Janette Hill and Claire Carter provided a wealth of knowledge and loads of tips, and undoubtedly I feel all the information I have gleaned will enhance my photos and technique threefold. At all times consideration for the varying abilities of the group was taken into account, and one could participate in as many photographic shoots ( and mountainous walks) as one wished.
The weather during the stay was excellent, if not a bit too sunny which somewhat excluded from getting the hopeful more “moody and dramatic shots” that one would have wished to have got as the backdrop to this dramatic terrain. Visits to Snowdonia National Park and the seaside resort of Barmouth also provided much variation. All in all I felt this to be a wonderful experience and a great learning curve, which was made all the more enjoyable by the friendly group and our engaging banter all times.
Would highly recommend.
We've made it easy to see our workshops mapped out, month by month in our brand new 'Workshop Calendar' feature! Click the button below to see more.
View Photography Experience CalendarWhy should I use Natural Wonders Photography?
We make every effort we can to make sure that your trip is enjoyable and fun. We want you to go away with fond memories and some great images.
What camera do I need?
Any camera! You can use a compact camera to an all singing and all dancing state of the art DLSR with lenses to match.
The aim of our tours and workshops is you to learn a little about the natural world and to ENJOY your photography without getting too bogged down in the technical side of photography.
All of our tutors are there to help you with all aspects of photography and will be on hand for you during each tour.
What about the weather?
We have no control over this! it is of course never 100% certain, so we do have alternative locations and things planned for such eventualities. It’s worth remembering though that sometimes angry skies give the most dramatic results!
What do I need to bring?
You will receive a full list of ‘essentials’ of both equipment and clothing when you sign up for a photo workshop or tour. It is all pretty standard stuff.
How do I book?
Please book by completing the booking form on the website. If you have difficulties please contact us and we can email a form to you.
How do I pay?
By Bank Transfer, Cheque or Paypal please. The links are shown on the booking form. We will let you know how much is due for payment and when it is due. You can pay by credit card via Paypal. Balance payments made through Paypal will incur a 5% surcharge.