Interest in Fossil Rim shoot?

[savitale]

For those of you not familiar with Fossil Rim, please see their website here:

www.fossilrim.org

They are an AZA accredited wildlife preserve, in Glen Rose, TX, with one of the best conservation programs in the country. Fossil Rim is not a zoo, for the guest it is a drive through safari, which allows you to view a large number of African mammals in a very natural environment. They offer a number of tour options; I volunteer there though I have not been active in a couple years.

I would like to find out how many people are interested in arranging a shoot at Fossil Rim. We will get a guided tour, either in a jeep or van (actually a big pickup truck with a canopy cover). The tour will be about 3 hours, starting at 9am. Since I am familiar with the facility, we can customize the tour to emphasize photo opportunities, or we can take the regular "Behind the Scenes" tour which will expose you to a bit of everything, including the area not open to the general public on the drive through route.

If we get 3-8 people interested, we can arrange the shoot as a one time deal. If response is overwhelming, we could maybe set up something on a monthly basis?

Cost is $45 per person. Did I mention you get to feed the animals?

[agillette]

Hey there Steven,

You know something, i would love to go. Only thing is that it will have to be in september after the super heated month of August. You will have to count for three people for me. I will be taking my Wife, and Daughter with me. Let me know.

Cheers'

AG

[Mandy]

Depending on the date I might be interested in going. My husband might want to come shoot some shots with my little P&S too. I agree with waiting until the major heat passes too.

[xseption]

I would be interested in shooting at Fossil Rim as well

[zeroendless]

Steven, Thanks for setting this up.

I'm interested in more dedicated behind the wire photo safari. I'll pass the feeding session, 3 hours is short and i would like to make good use of the visit

Fall might be better time for the trip? 9am is too late and too hot this time of the year, animals might get lazy and crawl under the shade. I can do 6:30am if they up too :)

[krodgers]

i live in glen rose area and would be pretty easy for me to tag along with you all, just nail down a day.

[lscottpht]

I am interested if we do the customized tour. I've done the behind-the-scenes tour a number of time and while I loved it, it would be nice to do something different. Keep up posted.

[laurielblack]

Me!! Me!!! Pick Me!!!! ;)

I would really be interested in this depending on the date. I'll be watching for details! :)

[savitale]

So it looks like we have some interest. As expected different people have different needs, for example those who would like to bring along the spouse and kids will probably appreciate the full tour (certainly at least the spouse and kids will), whereas the photo junkies might tolerate more stationary time.

I spoke to a few Fossil Rim volunteers, and no one was willing to help clean-up any photographers eviscerated remains. So we cannot accomodate requests to enter the enclosures at this time. I'm sure we could work out something along those lines, but considering the resources that would require from Fossil Rim, please expect "Business Use" type fees, not the same order of magnitude as $45. Send me a message if anyone wants to pursue this.

It is conceivable to start earlier than 9am. However, the Park does not open until 8:30am, so to arrange something earlier than that, I need a pretty firm display of interest.

I recommend setting up the first group for Saturday, September 30th. Minimum 4 people (I'm one), Maximum 16 people. Family friendly / First timers / Furry animal lovers photo tour. 9am start (possibly 8:30am), $45 per person. Sign up below.

[xseption]

Saturday is always a no-go for me ...

[TxManx]

I'm a go for Saturday, September 30...pending my current state of unemployment remains the same or compatible.

As an aside - Fossil Rim sent me an announcement today stating that during the week of Labor day, they are offering 10% off their annual membership...

Ken

[savitale]

No worries for anyone, we'll do the next one on a Sunday. Personally I am limited to weekends (and those only occasionally).

[KKapple]

I'd like to go in September on a weekend.
Earlier the better if we can get in and start shooting images.

[CaptainTom]

I would be up for an early Sunday shoot.... cooler weather perimitting.

[savitale]

So far we only have 3 for September 30th. I need at least 4 to reserve. Come on, sign up! $45! Less than a tiger shoot! Fun! Feeding! Photos! Beer!

OK, maybe not beer, at least not while we are in the park. After the shoot there are other opportunities for photography/entertainment in the area. We could have lunch at the Overlook. Not very flash, but the burgers are good and the view is great. For your afternoon enjoyment, Dinosaur Valley is right nearby, where you can see dinosaur footprints, and check out the park. I believe Glen Rose or Cleburne has a quite a few antique shops, though I have no details since that is not my thing.

Others more local to the area may be able to provide additional suggestions.