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.

Shoot the Moon

Tonight is the full moon.  Ever look up and just marvel at the beauty of the large beatiful moon in the night sky.  Ever wanted to photograph it.  Taking ictures of the moon can be challenging, but with a few steps and the right equipment you can produce images that can wow everyone. 

Equipment:

To get a fantastic moon shoot first we need to talk equipment. Most DSLR cameras will work.  The lens is the real key to getting fantastic details in your shot. I would recommend a lens of at least 200mm.  If you have longer even better!

A tripod is essential!  It doesnt have to be fancy or expensive just stable enough to hold hold your camera and lens securely to allow you to remotely trigger the shuttler.  If you dont ahve a remote, the sel timer in camera will work just as well.

Settings:

The two biggest challenges when shooting the moon are focus and exposure.  The moon is really bright!  Even though most of the time you wil be shooting the moon at night is is different then shooting in low light.  Also the moon is moving!  Use a low ISO and fast shutter speed to accommodate the brightness and movement of the moon, even though you are shooting at night.

Set your camera to manual mode and manual focus (single focus point).  I recommend the following settings.  ISO 200, Shutter Speed 160-250 and F/Stop of 8 or 11.

You will need to play with your setting to find what works best for you.  Aim for images that are slightly underexposed, you can bump the exposure in post processing.

Focusing:

With everything set to manual, turn on the live view.  Center the moon in the LCD Screen and zoom in until the moon fills or nearly fills the screen.  Center your focus point on the center of the moon, then slowly focus your lens until you find the right focus.  This may take a bit.  Watch your details that will help tell you when you are focused.  Take a few test shots to see how your focus is and what adjustments need made.

Post processing:

Crop your image to the desired layout.  Be sure to keep your crop ratio the same as original photo.  Once cropped, adjust your exposure if needed.  Play and see what looks you like the best.

Also remember the cold weather shooting tips that i posted since it is still winter.  Here is the link to that post.  http://krpphotography546.blogspot.com/2013/01/tips-for-shooting-in-cold-weather.html

Remember there is no exact science to this and experimenting is the best way to get the images you will love.  Please be sure to share if you take any photos tonight!

Any questions please let me know.

Behind the Scenes

Who hasn't wondered what its like behind the scenes at a photo shoot.  At my most recent Dramatic/Glamour Shoot my hubby/assistant helped me out by taking a few behind the scenes photos.  These were from just a very small portion of the day as there were 3 girls.  Hope you enjoy them and if you have questions let me know.  I have the pull backs and final images below.

2013 Spring Mini Sessions!!!!!!

Its that time already!!  Spaces are limited and only being offered for one day.  Book early to ensure your place.  If you have any questions let me know.  Thanks!!!

Glamorous Beauties

So I got this idea in my head.  I wanted to to a glamorous shoot but with dramatic makeup.  I am lucky and have a few friends who are willing to play along with all my crazy ideas!  :)  The end results... these beautiful photos!!!  A Big Thanks to Holly, Jen & Pam for going along with all my crazy ideas.

We all start somewhere.

Its always fun to go back and see where you started.  The other day a friend posted a pic online that I took in 2000.  WOW that was a long time ago.  I was still in college and just getting started in the photography world.  Back then I thought the images were great and of course mom of baby was thrilled.  Now compare that to image taken recently and it great to see the growth. 

The point you ask... we all start somewhere.  Remember to help out someone just starting out, answer questions, take admiration as a compliment and remember your own begining so you stay humble.  I always try to help people new to the industry and answer any questions I can.  I was very fortunate to have people voluntee to help me and to be able to be taught by some local greats!  I value all that information.

Wanna see the comparison??????