IMPORTANT: Registration is required to attend and spots are limited. Early Bird pricing available now!
Wildlife Photography at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Capture the wonder of desert wildlife and stunning natural habitats in this all-day photography walkabout at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens! Join us for a fun and engaging day of animal and nature photography while exploring one of Southern California’s premier zoological and botanical parks. This is a great opportunity to practice composition, timing, and light in a dynamic outdoor environment.
What You’ll Experience
- Photograph a diverse array of wildlife up close — from giraffes and black rhinos to cheetahs, wallabies, birds, and desert natives — across immersive habitats like the African Safari, Australian Adventures, and Wild Americas.
- Explore beautiful botanical gardens and desert terrain, enhancing your landscape and environmental portrait skills.
- Practice animal behavior photography — anticipate action, capture expressions, and experiment with different focal lengths and settings.
- Improve your understanding of natural light and composition in an outdoor setting that transitions through the day.
Important Info
- Cashless Facility – The Living Desert has transitioned to a fully cashless system for food, beverage, and most purchases inside the park, so bring a credit/debit card or use the onsite reverse ATM to load a prepaid debit card if needed. Cost of entry is not included in IEPPV fee.
- Entry Tickets for The Living Desert – You can purchase in advance on The Living Desert website or get tickets at the door for $39.95.
- IEPPV Registration – Early Bird Member pricing ($15 per person) is now available until Jan 18th! Use the sign up form below to register. Regular Member pricing is $20 per person.
The Schedule (Rain or Shine!)
- 8:00 AM – Meet at the Entrance: We’ll gather at the zoo entrance for a brief welcome, overview of scavenger hunt tips, shooting ideas, and any logistics for the day.
- 8:15 AM – Explore & Shoot: Wander the park at your own pace, photograph animals and habitats, and collect creative shots.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch Meetup: Return to our designated lunch spot to share stories, review highlights, and connect with fellow photographers.
- 12:45 PM – Continue Shooting: Stay and explore more of the zoo’s wonders or head out early — it’s up to you!
Participation & Prizes
Play along with our scavenger hunt challenge by posting your favorite images in our IEPPV Circle Community. There will be prizes for participation and standout shots!
Registration
Early Bird Member Pricing (until Jan 18th) = $15 per person
Regular Member Pricing (after Jan 18th) = $20 per person
