The snow leopard is one of nature’s most elusive predators, often called the “ghost of the mountains” for its ability to vanish into rugged terrain. At Triple D, photographers are offered a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture this magnificent cat up close. Thanks to specialized training and strong bonds with our handlers, snow leopard sessions provide safe, natural, and dynamic moments that would be nearly impossible to experience in the wild.
Scientific Name
Panthera uncia
Common Names
Snow leopard & Ounce
Description
The snow leopard is one of the world’s most elusive big cats, perfectly adapted to the harsh, mountainous regions of Central and South Asia. Known for its thick, smoky-gray coat patterned with dark rosettes and spots, the snow leopard blends seamlessly into rocky terrain. With long, powerful hind legs, they are capable of leaping up to six times the length of their body, making them remarkable hunters in steep, rugged landscapes. Their thick, bushy tail not only aids with balance but also serves as a warm wrap in frigid conditions. Though powerful predators, snow leopards are famously secretive and solitary, often called the “ghosts of the mountains.”
Filming Site
Our snow leopard sessions take place just a short drive from the ranch, in a setting chosen to reflect the cat’s natural alpine environment. Towering cliffs and rugged rock faces provide dramatic backdrops, while scattered brush and open clearings create ideal opportunities to capture both portraits and action shots. The location offers a balance of shadow and light, mimicking the wild terrain where snow leopards are truly at home.
When Should You Visit
Snow leopard sessions are best scheduled during the cooler parts of the day, when the cat is most active. Photographers can expect a mix of poised, regal stances on rocky outcrops and moments of agile movement across the cliffs. The natural setting allows for a wide range of compositions — from close-up detail shots of the snow leopard’s striking eyes and patterned coat, to wide-angle images that emphasize scale against the rocky landscape.
What To Expect
The Snow Leopard moves throughout the filming site at moderate pace, sometimes with a stalking behaviour. The leopard occasionally shows its attitude to give photographers a brief moment to capture snarls and views of its impressive teeth. It moves between ground level onto to a cliff face, similar to their alpine terrain. The slower movement permits moderate shutter speeds. Towards the end of the session the Snow Leopard may pose in front of the photographers.
What You Should Know
Basic skills with your camera to:
- set exposures for various conditions ranging from bright sunlight to shade
- using higher shutter speeds and continuous auto focus to photographic action
If you use a tripod or monopod you should know how to rotate between horizontal and vertical compositions.
What You Should Bring
The Snow Leopard is the calmest of the Triple D feline species and slightly slower shutter speeds may be used. The distance to the Snow Leopard will vary, at times being quite close. A zoom lens is more versatile than a large prime lens. A 70-200 f2.8 works well in all situations. A 100-400 (or 80-400) will bring the Snow Leopard closer, allowing for some intimate portraits. A wide angle lens can capture the leopard on the natural cliff face setting.
Extra batteries and memory cards as there is nothing worse than running out. Unlike searching in the wild, a Triple D wolves model is present throughout the entire filming session and many photographers take more photos in several minutes than they would in an entire day.
A second camera:
- provides a backup should an equipment failure occur.
- allows you to continue the session when a battery is depleted or a memory card is full
- allows you to continue when your buffer is full
- can be equipped with different lenses (macro and zoom)
- can be set with a different exposure to easily transition between darker exposures and high-speed action
First time attendees are often surprised by the large number of photographs they capture. Secondary storage devices are recommended.
If you prefer using a tripod than a quick release system is recommended as you may want to handhold your camera to capture some of the action.
The west side of the Rocky Mountains can experience precipitation year-round, ranging from rain to sleet to wet snow. Rain protection for your equipment will reduce your anxiety in these situations.
What You Should Do
Bring everything you need, including memory cards and batteries, to the photo session. You cannot leave the shooting compound once filming begins.
We’ve all done it one time or another, we’ve all been guilty of chimping. Minimize chimping during the photo session as it decreases battery life and increases the likelihood of missing a great shot.
Do not touch the animal, the operating permits prohibit public contact with the Triple D animals.
Staying together as a group helps the trainer guide the animal to look in your direction. Consider moving within the group to capture photos from a different perspective and allow others to photograph from your position.
Do not call out to the animal or make any noises in order to get its attention. A successful session is only possible when the animal is focused on the trainer.
Silence your phone and do not answer or make phone calls.
Participant covenants and agrees that it will not photograph nor distribute, publish or make public in any manner photographs of:
(1) Any of Providers facilities, including, without limitation, cages, pens, or exercise areas;
(2) Any of the Subject Models when on a leash or in cages or pens;
(3) The Trainers or any of Provider’s employees, either with or without the Subject Models without Providers prior written authorization.
