Ultimate Dolphins
Wildlife Models Shoot

		Dolphins Photography Tour Details
		Dates	May 9–16, 2009
		Leader	Stuart Westmorland
		Fee	$4,195 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.

Eighteen 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 allows 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 are arranged with friendly, willing subjects. A rigorous photo schedule highlights dolphin photography from boats and beach. We also have exceptional access to them in their living enclosure. A raised platform yields views of dolphins swimming in a clear, shallow, natural lagoon. The shoot’s highlight is two leaping sessions at sunset, and two daytime leaping/tail-walking sessions with an open-water backdrop. We have also arranged a session for participants to shoot in an enclosed lagoon with underwater cameras to create impressive underwater shots of dolphins swimming, or you can simply savor the thrill of close interaction with these animals as they approach you. Additional sessions are available for a fee.

We stay at a world-class resort that offers excellent meals and accommodations on a lush tropical island. Scarlet macaws in flight arearranged in a natural jungle setting. Amazon parrots, spider and capuchin monkeys and other exotic animals can be photographed with natural garden backgrounds. 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 (May 9)
Participants fly from their homes to Roatan, Honduras. Transfer to the resort for dinner. (D)

Days 2–7
We 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 are 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 are also chances to shoot activities at a tourist-oriented dolphin show. Bird, monkey, and other exotic animal photo sessions are be offered between the dolphin shoots. (BLD)

Day 8 (May 16)
Depart any time for home. (B)