Taking Better Photos at the Zoo

Its starting to get warm so what better time to go to the zoo.  You may even see some babies.  I know one of the local zoo's where I live just got 2 baby bears.  (Plumpton Park Zoo in MD)

Here are a few tips for getting the zoo photos you want:

1.  Be patient – These are wild animals so they may not always cooperate when you want

                             them too.

2.  Go early or late.  These are usually the times the animals are most active due to

                                    feeding schedules.  Also get a map of the zoo so you can plan your

                                    route with the light to get the best photos

3.  Shooting through a fenced enclosure – lots of animals are in completely enclosed

                                    spaces.  The best way to get a good photo is to use a large f/stop

                                    and focus on the animal when they are away from the fence.  This

                                    will blur the fence and give you a nice image

                    Here is an Example:

                   

4.  Take close ups of the animals and move your angle to avoid those not so attractive

     rails, fencing, etc

                                        

5.  Don’t forget about all the flowers and plants at the zoo, they usually have some great   

      items for macro images

6.  Be sure to follow zoo rules

Recommeded Equipment – DSLR, Zoom Lens, Macro Lens, Tripod (if allowed)

**All photos were taken at the Plumpton Park Zoo in MD by KRP Photography**

Tips for Better Aquarium Photos

Since the weather hasnt warmed up yet everyone is looking for fun inside things to do.  One of my favorites is to visit the aquarium.  But getting photos through the glass isnt always easy.  Here are a few tips for getting the photos you want.

1.  Do not use flash – you will get bad reflections off of glass

2.  Tripods are not usually allowed so steady yourself by leaning on a wall or column

3.  Shoot at an angle when shooting against glass to reduce glare

    

4.  Take close up photos of animals

5.  Be patient, these animals are constantly moving

Here are a few examples of some photos that I took.