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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.
We are fairly seasoned travellers and have visited many parts of the world. However, having been on a tour of the Falkland Islands with Janette, it is now one of our top destinations! Janette’s well planned itinerary gave us every opportunity to experience island life and to get close to the incredible wildlife.
Starting with Stanley, this is a small but very smart and clean town with a hotel and seafront restaurant, It also has a brilliant museum with lots of information about the Falklands war and an unforgettable war memorial. A large bust of Margaret Thatcher stands alongside adjacent to Thatcher Drive! It was also moving to be able to talk to local islanders about their first hand experiences of the conflict with Argentina in 1982.
One of the fun features of this trip was travelling between the islands in the small Islander planes courtesy of FIGAS (Falkland Islands Government Air Service). Merrilou, Dan and the other pilots were all happy to put one of their passengers in the co-pilot’s seat and chat to them about flying in this remote part of the world.
And then to the locations themselves. We stayed in small lodges on several of the islands and this was so much nicer than being in large impersonal hotels. We were able to explore the white beaches and cliff sides of the islands, usually with no one else in sight and with just the sounds of the sea and wildlife for company. The settlements on the smaller islands usually have between two and ten residents, mainly engaged in sheep farming.
Meeting and photographing the local wildlife was, of course, the main purpose of the trip and we were not disappointed!. Being able to sit or lie down and having Rockhopper or King penguins hopping or waddling up to you and checking you out has to be experienced to be believed. We were also privileged to have close encounters with the other wildlife residents including Albatrosses, Elephant seals, Sea lions, Cobb’s Wrens, Caracaras, Upland geese, Steamer ducks, Skuas, Meadowlarks and so many more. There were many memorable moments not least the cautious descent of a rocky slope (with Janette’s guidance), to visit the famous penguin shower. Wow, what an experience!
Undoubtedly this is a trip of a lifetime and one not to be missed!
One of the highlights for me was wading in a swamp in our wellies watching shoebills – which I was really keen to see. It was amazing to be able to walk with rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, with the rangers making sure we stayed a safe distance from them. On the two walks we did, we managed to see 17 of the 25 rhinos that are there.
The main reason for doing this trip was to see the primates. Our first trek through the forest at Kibale was to see chimpanzees, I was blown away by the experience of being so close to these incredibly noisy and surprisingly large animals. But the outstanding day of the trip started at 04.45 in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After breakfast we had a two hour drive before starting our trek to meet the gorillas. The trek took an hour and was a bit challenging at times partly due to the fact that we were 7500 ft above sea level, but we were helped along the way by the porters. But the moment we came across the family of gorillas was unforgettable. It was so amazing to spend an hour in their company. I couldn’t believe how close we were, and never thought I would be able to claim that I have been touched by a gorilla. The silverback was very calm and carried on eating his fruit, while a baby climbed on its mother’s back and the 5yr old male rushed about pushing and grabbing people but in a playful way. Unfortunately that hour went much too quickly but it will be an hour that I will never forget.
We stayed in some lovely lodges with opportunities to birdwatch in the grounds, on the whole trip I managed to see 152 species of birds.
We were disappointed not to see the famous tree climbing lions, but that’s wildlife and nothing is ever guaranteed, and it didn’t make the trip any less fantastic.
So thank you Janette for making sure the trip ran smoothly and hopefully we can join you on some more trips.
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!
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.