© Barry Bland / Barcroft Media
This incredible new book showcases the planet’s big cats giving a rare and intimate insight into felines of all shapes and sizes.
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Carefully pieced together over one year ‘Big Cat Studio’ lets readers get up close to ocelots, leopards, puma’s, lynx, lions and tigers.
Photographed in a specially constructed studio at The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S) in South Carolina, the big cats are all aged between three weeks and 28 years.
© Barry Bland / Barcroft Media
Beginning in autumn last year and taken over 24 sessions, the mesmerising collection of photographs shows some of the rarest big cats that people can rarely get close to.
© Barry Bland / Barcroft Media
“The key to producing photographs as intimate as these was the close attention and skill of the cat handlers here at T.I.G.E.R.S in Myrtle Beach,” said Dr Bhagavan ‘Doc’ Antle, the group founder and director
“These cats have been with my dedicated team since birth and their intuitive knowledge of their behaviour was essential to the photographic shoot.
“My son Cody who’s 20 and my 15-year-old daughter Tawny Sky have been in close contact with tigers and big cats since they were kids and were involved too.”
© Barry Bland / Barcroft Media
Photographed in a former elephant enclosure which forms part of Doc’s T.I.G.E.R.S preserve, the big cats were encouraged to play up for the camera in a variety of ways.
“With cats of different ages, a mix of methods were needed to help get that perfect look,” explained Doc.
“We use pieces of meat to excite and to act as treats, as well as large stuffed toys and even feather boas, which the cats find amusing.
“But the most important aspect is the well-being of the animals. They need regular breaks and lunch to keep them calm.
“One of the benefits of shooting at our own preserve is that the animals are completely comfortable within their own surroundings.
“This makes for a better shoot.”
© Barry Bland / Barcroft Media
Big Cat Studio represents the intricate variety within the big cat family, from small South American Ocelot’s to impressive Royal White tigers.
“It is my team of China York, 28, Moksha Bybee, 30 and Rajani Freente, 38, who made this possible,” said Doc.
“They are tuned into the cats moods and of course how that is judged is crucial.
“It is important for them to make the cats as relaxed as possible.”
© Barry Bland / Barcroft Media
With part of the proceeds from the book going to help the conservation work Doc does in preventing the decline in population of big cats, ‘Big Cat Studio’ has a serious side too.
“I was recently at a charity event held by the Cheetah Outreach Programme in Manhattan,” said ‘Doc’.
Cheetah Outreach is a drive to protect populations of the speedy cat through education and conservation.
© Barry Bland / Barcroft Media
The reaction to the book has been hugely positive as we try to promote ecology and conservation of these animals.
Photographing the two dozen sessions was British photographer Barry Bland, who said he felt privileged to be there with the animals.
“It was a most memorable experience to be part of and not totally without fear,” said Barry.
Words by James Nye
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