What would you expect??

[MontanaZoo]

I have been asked by the local photo club (I'm not a member, they do everything in slide format and I'm digital and don't want to make slides) as a local wild animal photography expert to do a presentation for them on taking photos of animals in zoos. They said I can do slides or they'll hook up a laptop.

So, for those of you who do belong to a photo club, what would you hope to see and learn in a presentation like that? Most of these people participate in the zoo photography contest that I run and I know there are some that are better photographers than I am (and have more expensive kits).

Really, I agreed to do it because our zoo is always struggling though improving and any interest I can generate from the local public into attending the zoo is great.

 

[dr_zero]

Hmm will have to think on that

If its ok where abouts is your Zoo

 

[MontanaZoo]

It's in Montana...we specialize in the same latitude animals from around the world in huge exhibits. We just built a 2 acre grizzly habitat, have a the biggest Siberian tiger habitat etc. Not a huge zoo but way different from a lot of other zoos.

 

[dr_zero]

It's in Montana...we specialize in the same latitude animals from around the world in huge exhibits. We just built a 2 acre grizzly habitat, have a the biggest Siberian tiger habitat etc. Not a huge zoo but way different from a lot of other zoos.

That sounds awesome!

So I guess that would bring up a question though as a photographer how can I get up close and personal with a animal without being up close and personal?

I like full frame faces sometimes how can I get the animal to look at me without bothering them?

Any suggestions on light is it bright out in the areas where Im shooting or shady and what tips for those areas. You are more familiar with the animals and the area where would you recommend to hang out to get some awesome take home shots?

 

[MontanaZoo]

Thanks those are great ideas.

Think they'll want to hear the real answer and that you need to reseach the animals and spend time with them to see how they act? Hehehe

 

[dr_zero]

Thanks those are great ideas.

Think they'll want to hear the real answer and that you need to reseach the animals and spend time with them to see how they act? Hehehe

LOL! NO!

You are the research, you are there to give them a course in how to take pics of the animals

You have to take and translate your skills and knowledge down to something that a amateur can digest and understand in a however long minute presentation. Not the easiest thing to do! Some I'm sure are pretty good but dont forget the others who are still honing their skills. (like I will be forever LOL)

They may be good at taking pictures but you have the advantage here that you know your animals and the area.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I would want to know about timing issues. When are the best times to photograph different types of animals. When are the crowds high or low. Can the club get in before or after hours for a shoot?

I would want to know about relevant rules. Can I use a tripod? Can I use it everywhere? Where can and can't I use flash?

I would want to know about techniques. Get very close to a fence, open your aperture wide, focus on something distant and the fence practically disappears. Shoot colorful birds with a flash as it enhances their colors and iridescence.

I'd like tips on good vantage points. If there is a great view of the tigers laying down on the west end of his cage shooting under the bushes, tell me about it. If there is a strategically placed trash can that I can stand on to shoot over the rhino fence, tell me about that.

Tell me about what makes a good zoo photograph. Should I try making it look like the animals are in a natural setting or should I make it look like they are in a zoo? Should I capture their behavior or look for “posed” shots. When you tell me what makes for a good shot, tell me how to accomplish that and show me examples.

I would like to hear a few (not too many) anecdotes about the animals so that I start to make a personal connection. To some people, a zoo can just be a collection of random animals. To others, it can be the home where specific animals with names and stories live. Making it more the latter will make it more interesting - even for a photographer.

Illustrate as much as you can with examples. Be funny.

One lesson I've learned here...don't use a lot of math.

 

[MontanaZoo]

Thanks, Mark, that helps a ton!

 

[dr_zero]

I'd like tips on good vantage points. If there is a great view of the tigers laying down on the west end of his cage shooting under the bushes, tell me about it. If there is a strategically placed trash can that I can stand on to shoot over the rhino fence, tell me about that.

Tell me how to get out of the enclosure once I have fallen off the can and over the fence.

 

[MontanaZoo]

Tell me how to get out of the enclosure once I have fallen off the can and over the fence.

You wouldn't believe how many adults ask me what the tiger's fur feels like...it's a 600 lb wild cat...we don't pet it.

 

[Frantasmic]

How to focus so that the animals that are in a cage with either bars or small wire cages can be photographed more naturally.