Falconry Photography !!!!

snewts · #1 (**permalink**) 23-01-2010, 09:12 PM

Hi All

I have been working with a local bird of prey organisation (rescue centre) which survives on donations, I have been in discussions with them looking in to ways to increase there donations....One way I'm trying to help would be to setup photographic days (On location) with a range of birds (small groups of photographers ) this will be based in Dorset and would cost £100 per person would there be anyone out there that would take up this offer. I'm just testing the water before I put to much into this idea!.

Thanks

Steve

Boddie · #2 (**permalink**) 23-01-2010, 09:26 PM

Considerably less expensive elsewhere

snewts · #3 (**permalink**) 23-01-2010, 09:36 PM

Looking at other companies that offer flying displays for the photography community its seems about right, could you give a couple of names of companies that are cheaper to I can check them out.

nigel_b · #4 (**permalink**) 23-01-2010, 09:43 PM

I'd be quite interested, but it does seem quite a lot. Do you have any idea of a plan for the day?

snewts · #5 (**permalink**) 23-01-2010, 10:03 PM

We are looking at having a pro photographer there for the whole day to help with setting up for the day. The day would then consist of static display of birds on different types of perches in different locations (grassland,woodland) then moving on to an air display on the birds flying from trees to the handler then birds catching food in the air (Falcons and Owls).

welshcameraman · #6 (**permalink**) 23-01-2010, 10:08 PM

It's a great idea to make some extra cash for the centre, but I agree it is a bit expensive for an non-established venture. Try starting with a lower fee and seeing how it goes, once its off the ground and running then maybe put up your prices.

I believe Perriswood on Gower charge around £45 including lunch. I haven't been on it, but there are a few on here that have and can tell you more.

Martin

snewts · #7 (**permalink**) 23-01-2010, 10:22 PM

Thanks for that I will give them a call on Monday to see what is on offer, I had a quick look a there website and can only find a falconry day at £100. Looks very good.

RoyW · #8 (**permalink**) 24-01-2010, 09:10 AM

There is a market for this sort of thing, but I think that your price is too high - it is easy to find similar days priced at £40-£60. (I will PM some links).

Even at a lower price it could still bring in some cash so good luck!

Roy.

Melus · #9 (**permalink**) 24-01-2010, 10:19 AM

The only thing I would make sure of is that all the BOP are in good if not perfect feather. I agree with others that £100 per person seems to much for a days photographic shoot, however photographic clubs may pay £250 per session.

I have visited Yarak Birds of Prey in Devon to purchase birds. I am aware John has photographic days which are very popular but then again he has numerous birds of prey from Vultures to Kestrels that are in excellent condition. He also flys the birds for action shots.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Regards
Gary

nigel_b · #10 (**permalink**) 24-01-2010, 11:59 AM

£100 for a falconry day consisting of some time spent in a classroom learning about weighing, feeding, etc, as well as some time hands-on with the birds is a little different to £100 to come and take pics.

Trying to be helpful although that didnt sound awfully so. Just wondering how this day would be any different to visiting a raptor centre and photographing the birds on display there, both perched and in the air.

As I say, its something I would be very interested in if it was educational in a photographic sense as well as being an opportunity to photograph the birds.

Possibly you could think about having someone to talk about their experience of photographing BoP in the wild, legislation, land access, that sort of issue.