Zoo Visions with Terry Donnelly – A Wildlife Photography Experience at Chester Zoo

On Friday 18th September 2026, photographers joined us at Chester Zoo for a very special day of wildlife photography, expert tuition and hands-on experience with the latest Sony Alpha equipment.

Zoo Visions with Terry Donnelly brought together The Society of Photographers, Sony UK, Camera Centre UK and PGYTECH for a premium photography experience inside one of the UK’s most renowned zoos.

From big cats and primates to reptiles and amphibians, Chester Zoo provided an incredible variety of subjects to photograph, while Sony Ambassador Terry Donnelly shared his experience and techniques throughout the day.

A Day Behind the Lens at Chester Zoo

The day began with refreshments before the group headed into Chester Zoo for a full day of photography and learning.

Rather than simply being a photography workshop, Zoo Visions was designed as an immersive experience, giving photographers the opportunity to spend time in the zoo, experiment with different equipment and learn how to approach wildlife photography in a real-world environment.

Terry worked with the group throughout the day, sharing practical advice on everything from camera settings and focusing techniques to composition, light and working with unpredictable subjects.

There was plenty of opportunity to ask questions too, with Terry and the Sony team on hand to provide advice and discuss the different approaches photographers can take when photographing wildlife.

Hands-On with Sony Alpha

One of the highlights of Zoo Visions was the opportunity to try out the latest Sony Alpha cameras and lenses.

Sony provided equipment for photographers to get hands-on with during the day, including the Sony Alpha 7R VI and 100–400mm G Master lens.

Having the opportunity to try professional equipment in a genuine wildlife photography environment made a real difference. Rather than simply discussing the technology, photographers could put it through its paces and see how it performed when faced with moving animals, challenging light and different distances.

The Sony specialists were also available throughout the event, helping attendees get the most from the equipment and answering questions about the system.

Learning from a Chester Zoo Ranger

Another particularly valuable part of the experience was hearing directly from a Chester Zoo ranger.

Wildlife photography isn’t just about having the right camera and lens. Understanding animal behaviour, knowing when animals are likely to be active and learning how to anticipate a moment can make a huge difference to the photographs you produce.

The ranger provided insight into the animals and their behaviour, as well as helping the group understand how to approach different photographic opportunities within the zoo.

That combination of photographic expertise and knowledge of the animals helped make the day much more than a conventional photography workshop.

Photographing Wildlife at Chester Zoo

With 128 acres of naturalistic habitats and more than 500 species, Chester Zoo offered no shortage of photographic opportunities.

The group had the chance to explore different areas of the zoo and look for opportunities to capture a wide range of subjects, including big cats, primates and other mammals, as well as reptiles and amphibians.

The reptile and amphibian houses also provided opportunities for closer and more detailed photography, offering a very different challenge to photographing larger animals in open habitats.

For wildlife photographers, this variety was one of the real strengths of the day. Every location presented a different photographic challenge, whether that meant dealing with movement, available light, reflections, backgrounds or simply waiting for the right moment.

More Than Just Photography

Chester Zoo’s work extends far beyond providing a home for animals. A significant proportion of the zoo’s income supports conservation projects around the world, helping protect threatened species and their habitats.

That made it particularly fitting to hold Zoo Visions at Chester Zoo. Wildlife photography has an important role to play in helping people connect with animals and understand the importance of conservation.

For everyone attending, it was a chance not only to photograph wildlife, but to spend a day in an environment dedicated to protecting it.

A Great Day of Photography and Community

As with our previous Zoo Visions experience, one of the best things about the day was the atmosphere within the group.

Photographers were able to share ideas, compare experiences and learn from one another, while still having plenty of time to concentrate on their own photography.

The combination of expert tuition, access to Sony equipment, ranger insight and the sheer variety of wildlife at Chester Zoo created a genuinely memorable experience.

And, of course, there was plenty of photography to be done!

Thank You

A day like Zoo Visions doesn’t happen without the support of a great team, and we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the event possible.

A special thank you to:

• Terry Donnelly for sharing his knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for wildlife photography
• Sony UK for providing the Alpha equipment and specialist support
• Camera Centre UK for their continued support and expertise
• PGYTECH for supporting the event
• Chester Zoo for welcoming us and providing such an incredible setting
• And, of course, everyone who attended and helped make the day such a success

Looking Back on Zoo Visions

Zoo Visions with Terry Donnelly at Chester Zoo was a fantastic day of photography, learning and wildlife.

From trying the latest Sony Alpha equipment to learning more about animal behaviour from a Chester Zoo ranger, the event gave photographers plenty of opportunities to develop their skills while enjoying an unforgettable day in one of the UK’s leading zoos.

We’re already looking forward to bringing more photography experience days, workshops and events to photographers in the future.

If you’d like to hear about upcoming events from The Society of Photographers, take a look at our photographic seminars and events.

And if you’re not already a member, you can find out more about joining The Society of Photographers and discover the range of benefits available to photographers.