Predatory Animals of North America

For almost three decades Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris has pioneered numerous “wildlife” models shoots and honed them to provide an exceptional opportunity for animal photography. While working with almost every major game farm and animal trainer in America who supplies captive-born wildlife, we have furnished our clients with an impressive variety of 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 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 provides access to the colorful north woods of Minnesota. Their animals are numerous and may include wolves, coyotes, arctic fox, grey fox, red fox, opossum, beavers, woodchuck, porcupine, badgers, fishers, bobcats, lynx, mountain lions, bears, raccoons, deer and mink.

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 and thoughtless persecution—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, websites, posters, calendars and greeting cards that help to generate public awareness for wildlife and habitat preservation. In no better way have these very animals helped sway public opinion to a favorable conservation outlook than through engaging photographs of game farm wolves and their young.

June is by far the best time to photograph the year’s new born babies. We photograph those species that are available and ready to venture out into the landscape during the time of our visit. Expect two photo sessions daily—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—with three or four different species. Overall, participants accumulate an exciting and comprehensive portfolio of northern forest “wildlife.”

Join us for a rewarding “wildlife” photo opportunity, and see the results! Create photographs that may have required a lifetime of travel and waiting in the wild!