Wildlife Models Shoot

Dates May 6–13, 2006
Leader Stuart Westmorland
Fee $3,495 from Roatan, Honduras
Deposit $400
Limit 12
Terms and Conditions

Throughout time dolphins have represented virtues that humans value the most. In addition to their outwardly gentle nature, curiosity and developed social organization, dolphins also display an exuberance and athletic ability that are nearly unmatched in the animal world. Their spectacular, gravity-defying leaps, tail-walks and graceful underwater maneuvering are breathtaking to observe up close.

A wonderful opportunity has been created to give Photo Safaris participants an unparalleled chance to intensely photograph dolphins and their remarkable behaviors in a stunning tropical paradise.

Sixteen bottlenose dolphins are the subjects of ongoing research at a tropical island wonderland in Honduras, a short plane trip from Houston. These dolphins are semi-wild in that some are exercised during open-ocean swims on a daily basis. Although they can all “escape” at any time, they seem to appreciate their association with people.

The Ultimate Dolphins Wildlife Models Shoot will allow all participants to photograph individual dolphins and groups of dolphins in a variety of natural and staged activities. Tight face shots, and leaping and tail-walking behaviors will be arranged with friendly, willing subjects. A rigorous photo schedule will highlight dolphin photography from boats and beach. We will also have exceptional access to them in their living enclosure. A raised platform will yield views of dolphins swimming in a clear, shallow, natural lagoon. The shoot’s highlight will be two leaping sessions at sunset, and two daytime leaping/tail-walking sessions with an open-water backdrop. We have also arranged an optional session with participants swimming in this lagoon with the dolphins to create impressive underwater shots, if you have the equipment or camera housing, or you can simply savor the thrill of close interaction with these animals as they approach you.

We’ll stay at a world-class resort that offers excellent meals and accommodations on a lush tropical island. Scarlet macaws, Amazon parrots and other exotic birds can be photographed in a natural garden setting. Butterflies at a local butterfly farm and iguanas of impressive size are available for photography at a private reserve near the resort. This trip is great for stock photography, offers a wonderful interaction with dolphins, and is truly a photo shoot you shouldn’t miss!



Day 1
Participants fly from their homes to Roatan, Honduras.  Transfer to the resort for dinner. (D)

Days 2–7
We will have six full days of photography amid the tropical splendor of the Honduran Bay Islands. Fiery sunset skies are a perfect backdrop for leaping dolphins and there will be many other trained dolphin shoots from the beach and from a high platform where you can photograph them, from above, in crystal clear water. There will be great opportunities to create tight head shots that will not look like so many other photos taken in a blue-painted marine park pool. There will also be chances to shoot activities at a tourist-oriented dolphin show. Bird, butterfly and iguana photo sessions will be offered between the dolphin shoots. (BLD)

Day 8
Depart any time for home cities. (B)


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.