Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Details:
What: Muskoka Wildlife Centre - Captive Wildlife Shoot
When: Sunday February 12, 2011
Time: 12:45 PM meet - 1:00 PM shoot
Cost: Is $90 per person (based on 10 people)
Where: Parking lot at the Centre - HWY 11 East Side north of Orillia
Bring: Warm cloths & boots, extra batteries, lenses/cameras/tripods/etc.

The Muskoka Wildlife Centre provides the opportunity to have small group sessions with their animals at a fee. The Muskoka Wildlife Centre is a shelter for animals that cannot return to the wild due to injuries or other reasons. The money charged for the photo sessions goes back into the operation to care for the animals.

The Centre is located on Hwy 11 approximately 2 hours north of Toronto (from 401/400 junction). Basic direction: Take Hwy 400 to Barrie; take Hwy 11 ramp at Barrie and follow past Orilia; north of Severn River watch for the MWC on the east side.

More info at;
http://www.muskokawildlifecentre.com/mwc/

This event is limited to 10 participants on a first come first booked basis. Please play nice.

Here is the arrangement. We will have a maximum of 10 people/spots available. At the Centre we will form two groups of five (5). A three hour session has been booked at a fee of $450 for each group of 5 which will be about $90 per person based on five in each group (cost will be confirmed in the next two weeks). One critical element is the payment. If anyone signs up and does not show up the rest of the group will have to adsorb the cost. If anyone signs up they must be really committed to going. If you sign up and don't show we will all be unhappy with you.

Each group is provided with a keeper/handler who take the photographers into the enclosures and places the animals to get as natural a background as possible. The Centre has a number of animals that would be very attractive such as lynx, bobcat, wolves, wolverine and others.

If the weather goes bad (rain for example) we can cancel and reschedule up to 24 hour before the event at no cost. I will check the weather and we can make any decision the Friday night before the date.

If you are committed please put your name in the Yes column. If you want to go but the list is full put your name in the standby column. If you are on the Yes list but need to cancel please PM the first person on the standby list so they can have first refusal on your space.

And if you can offer a ride let people know by posting below, and if you need a ride post your need and watch for those who can offer.

Because the event will end at 4:00 PM most may just wish to head home. If there is interest we could discus going into Gravenhurst for food and beverages. In the past we went to Boston Pizza down by the docks on Lake Muskoka and it was very nice. That could be an option again.


Daryl

I'd love to do this again, but just can't justify spending $70 on a photo outing right now. Its well worth the time having been last year!

I've been waiting for another organization of this event!!! Been wanting to go for ages!! Last time I could not justify the costs - this time I don't care!! lol

I will be looking for a ride since I don't want to drive to Orillia in the winter. I would prefer to meet at a location where I can either park or take transit, depending on the road conditions. Although I am in Mississauga, I can easily get to TTC .

You know, I was thinking just today, "We missed out back in October, I wonder if there's going to be a winter shoot again this year?"
I'm in.
I'm driving. (from Scarborough...meet at Yorkdale anyone?) (room for three)
I'm stoked!

Ive already committed to going to this place on Monday. Id liked to have joined you guys.

Hey I know people usually ask me for rides - which I am more than happy to provide - however I will be crashing at a friends that weekend and will be going straight from there and so cannot offer any rides this time around.

J.

Arrrrgghhhhh .... last night as I'm going to bed I remember that I've agreed to work OT on the 12th!

I knew I would regret that decision.

I am flying back from Shanghai on the 12th...double Arrrrgghhhhh??

Get a window seat and take your shots as you pass over.

Please lend me your 1200-1700mm zoom lens.

how about 1080mm --- the V1 mounted on the 200-400mm f/4 @ 400mm

with that much weight, the V1 isnt going to crack? do you use an adapter?

Lets try to stay on subject. No hijacking.

Need more people to sign up! If we don't get the ten the cost will increase to split it across those who will be going. Or it will be limited to the first 5 people.

DG

This sounds like a great trip! Count me in.

Great. welcome to the fun Terry. We need four more. Start bugging your buddies.

DG

Need three more. Bumping.

DG

Well worth the trip and cost. Up close with the animals and the guy is very helpful in you getting your shot. I was there for a 2 hour session. I think your 3 hour is preferred. I will post a couple pics here as soon as I finish processing. Its interesting being in same enclosure as a couple wolves, a lynx and a silver fox and them only a couple feet away at times. The cougar was really nice to shoot but unfortunately it was through a chain link fence. Here are a couple shots to give you an idea of what to expect.

Wolf



Cougar



Lynx



Silver Fox

2 hours works if you know which Animals are worth the time, and which ones are a waste of time. That was my experience from last year. Knowing that ... I could go back for a 2 hour, and only do the animals that I want.

This is well worth the $90.00. I have a scheduling conflict and can't go, but I encourage everyone to try out this unique experience. I know the money is a lot, but you get great access to the animals and the cash goes towards a good cause.

Nice shots Bynx.

DG

Hello.

I would like to go to this, but I don't drive. If anyone going could offer a ride, that would be great.

I can meet at Yorkdale. Thanks.

We have a problem . With only six people we have one more than a single group and we are 4 short for two groups. I have limited the sign up now to the six people on the list. Unless 4 people sign up over night I don't want the list to get any longer. I have sent a message to the MWC to see if six people can be managed as a single group. If they cannot we will have to make some decisions before Sunday. Either someone doesn't go or we all cover the cost of ten (which probably isn't very palatable).

Because I have been three times I am willing to step off if we need to cut to five.

Sorry about this situation . Last time both events filled quickly and there were long waiting lists. Strange the difference a year can make.

I will update when I hear back from MWC.

DG

I have heard back from MWC and they are making an exception this one time. Six will be OK.

DG

Thats great! I can't wait for this event!!!

Here is another shot to wet the appetites of those going or those who are undecided.

Don't forget to bring your fisheye! You will have chances to get up close and personal with the wildlife.

If I got that close I would be lunch!!! lol

They like sushi and u will get a photo similar to your avaitor

Oh I already have a photo in mind I actually want to try with my fisheye - assuming the animal and handler will cooperate!!