Wildlife Models Shoot

Spring Jun 10–15, 2006
Leader Perry Conway
Autumn Sep 30–Oct 5, 2006
Leader Len Rue, Jr.
Fee $1,995 from Sandstone, Minnesota
Deposit $300
Limit 12
Terms and Conditions

For the past two decades Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris has pioneered numerous wildlife models shoots and honed them to a high degree of excellence. While working with almost every major game farm and animal trainer in America who supplies captive-born wildlife, we have furnished our clients with some of the world’s most impressive and photogenic animals in an ever-changing array of scenic backgrounds and habitats. And without a doubt, all of these varied animal trainers have produced wonderful opportunities for generating images that are virtually impossible for most photographers to create in the wild.

Just when we thought we had exhausted the possibilities for finding new and different animals and backgrounds for our clients, we were introduced to our marvelous game farm in the wilds of Minnesota. This facility is one of the principal breeding locations that supply many of the other game farms with their baby animals, and it provides almost unlimited access to the colorful north woods of Minnesota. Their animals are numerous and may include wolves, coyotes, arctic and red fox, badgers, fishers, bobcats, lynx, mountain lions, wolverines, bears, raccoons, deer, mink and a few exotic species.


The reasons for joining a models shoot are compelling: for most people, many of these animals are virtually impossible to see or photograph in nature. In the wild, many of these rare and secretive species are predators under assault from human encroachment—increasingly forced to seek refuge in inaccessible, fragmented habitats. These captive animals can be photographed without intruding on the shrinking territories of those in the wild. It is these very captive animals, appearing in countless magazines, posters, calendars and greeting cards, that act as "wildlife ambassadors" helping to generate public awareness for wildlife and habitat preservation. And nowhere better have these very animals helped sway public opinion to a favorable conservation outlook than have photographs of wolves.

We offer two distinctly different photographic opportunities: mothers with baby animals in June, and animals in winter pelage and forests adorned in fall colors in September. In each season we will photograph three or four different species daily. Overall, participants will accumulate a comprehensive portfolio of northern forest wildlife in the season(s) selected.

Join us on one or both of these rewarding wildlife photo opportunities, and see the results! You will create photographs that may have required a lifetime of waiting in the wild!


Day 1
Participants fly to Minneapolis and transfer to Sandstone, Minnesota. We meet in the motel lobby for introductions and dinner. (D)

Days 2–5
For the next four days we have an intense and enjoyable on-location photo shoot featuring some of the most sought-after animals in North America. Focusing on numerous species during our trip, and usually working with three or four species—most without enclosures—per day, we have ample time to capture their beauty as well as a variety of interesting behaviors with your camera. Working in such close proximity to these animals is a wonderful experience and a window into the lives of those in the wild. (BLD)

Day 6
Participants may depart at any time today. Transportation from Sandstone to the Minneapolis airport will take about two hours. You should plan your return flights for no earlier than noon.


Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070
Phone: (206) 463-5383   Fax: (206) 463-5484    Email: info@photosafaris.com
Copyright © 2008, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc.