Most of us are unable go on an exotic Safari to a far away land to take photographs of wild animals in their natural habitat. Modern day zoos offer us the opportunity to obtain great up-close and personal photographs of exotic animals in very convincing surroundings. Zoo animals lead a more pampered life and are spared from fighting for survival so they appear healthier and have less scratches and scars than animals in the wild. It may take you days or even weeks to spot a particular animal in the wild but the same animal is readily available to photograph at your local zoo. It is also a lot safer to photograph wild animals in a controlled environment where you are not at risk of being attacked. Here are a few tips that will help you to get the most out of your next photographic safari at your local zoo.
Go Early or Late The animals are most active in the morning and in the evening. The crowds are usually smaller in the morning hours. For outdoor photos, the natural light is better in the morning and evening. Taking advantage of the early and late hours will help you to get those great, one of a kind shots.
Feedings and Special Keeper Activities Check the schedule at your local zoo for feeding times, special animal events and programs. These special times can turn out to be great photo opportunities.
Use a Tripod A tripod will help you to get sharper photographs especially if you’re using a long telephoto lens. Some zoos may not allow you to use a tripod so check on the rules before you go.
Use a Fast Film Speed Use a fast film speed if shooting with film or high ISO if shooting digital. Digital photography is more versatile when it comes to “film speed” because you can change it electronically on the fly. The faster the speed of the film, the faster shutter speed and the wider the lens opening that you’ll be able to use. The faster shutter speed will allow you to stop action better and the wider lens opening will help you to blur the background to make your animal subject stands out.
Bars, Glass and Fences Zoos use bars, glass, and fencing to keep the zoo patrons and the animals safe. These barriers can make it difficult to get natural appearing; safari-like photographs but there are ways to photographically get around these barriers.
One solution to eliminating bars and fence in your photographs is to use a telephoto lens of at least 100mm and shoot with as wide of a lens opening as possible. Get as close to the barrier as possible and focus on the animal. The combinations of the telephoto lens and the wide lens opening will help to give you a shallow depth of field that will usually make the bars or wire disappear. Be careful that you don’t get too close to what can appear to be a ”harmless” animal that could bite through the fence.
Shooting through glass is difficult but not impossible if you can get your lens up close to the glass and it's relatively clean. Use a high film speed or ISO (digital) and avoid using flash, as the flash will reflect off of the glass. Shoot at 90 degrees through the glass to minimize the window's poor optical quality.
Flash I use natural light only when photographing animals at the zoo. My personal experience is that some of the animals are frightened or irritated by the flash. Instead of flash, I use a faster ISO “film speed” on my digital camera so that I can get a good photo under lower light conditions. If you decide to use flash, be aware of the affect it has on the animal you’re photographing and stop using the flash if the animal appears irritated. Check with the zoo before visiting to see if they allow flash.
Create An Illusion of Being In The Wild Zoom in as close as you can to your subject to eliminate as much of the surroundings as possible. Try to take the photograph at an angle that hides any background that might appear man made. Use a wide lens opening to help blur the background as much as possible.
Catch The Expression Study the animal and try to photograph the most expressive moments. Zoom in as close as possible to enhance facial expressions. If you visit your local zoo on a regular basis, you’ll grow familiar with the habits and personalities of individual animals that will help you to get that great shot. Focus on the eyes because that is where the person viewing the photograph is going to look first.
Don’t Harass The Animals The animals at the zoo are wild and regal creatures and should be treated with respect. Some are very endangered and on the verge of disappearing from the face of the earth. Please don’t tease and taunt them by shouting, pounding on the barriers, or throwing items at them. Trying to create an expression by harassing the animal won’t turn out all that great and could get you in trouble with the authorities. Use patience and you’ll get the winning photo that you have been waiting for.
Bring Enough Equipment Take extra batteries, film or storage cards so that you don’t miss that special prize winning photograph.
Have Fun The zoo is a great place to learn and to have fun so enjoy the time you spend there. Enjoy the animals and all of their different personalities and this will reflect in your photographs.