Big Cat Sanctuary, Kent
Shootout
In a special three-round edition, two readers show us their wildlife photography skills at the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent. Are they feline up for the challenge, asks Niall Hampton
Reader 1
Christine Holt
Camera: Nikon D500
Location: Hertfordshire
Having always been interested in photography, Christine took it up seriously when she retired, and joined a local camera club. A love of wildlife photography soon developed: Christine is now a member of two camera clubs as well as the Lea Valley Nature Photographers group and the Nature Group of the RPS. With an RSPB reserve local to her, plus the Lea Valley Park and a local wildlife park, photography is now a part Christine’s everyday life. Earlier this year, she achieved her LRPS and DPAGB.
www.photocrowd.com/photographer-community/16623
Reader 2
Garry Stratton
Camera: Nikon D850
Location: Hampshire
Garry’s passion for photography started around 12 years ago. He shoots landscapes and wildlife, but has also delved into motorsport photography in recent years. All of it is captured on Nikon equipment – mainly a D850 and D810. Garry is also a keen wedding photographer and can be booked through his website.
This is also home to his online portfolio, as well as a travel blog, which details an exciting expedition to Antarctica that Garry is planning to embark on in 2022.
www.garrystrattonphotography.com
Join us and learn new skills! Keep an eye on our Facebook page for Shootout invitations.
www.facebook.com/digitalcameraworld
Camera Nikon D500
Lens Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Exposure 1/160 sec at f/4.8, ISO 800
Challenge 1
Capture an environmental big cat portrait
Challenge 1 Christine Holt
Following a briefing with Alma Leaper, the Big Cat Sanctuary’s lead photographer, we venture out to the enclosures. The cats react noticeably to Alma’s presence – especially when she’s brandishing a bucket of meat to feed them with. Alma is adroit at getting the cats into ideal positions for being photographed, tossing meat into particular parts of the enclosures and cajoling them verbally. One of the cats happy to pose for Christine was Atara the North Chinese leopard.