Practicing with Zoo Animals
By Janis Rb
7 May 2008
I was reading about animal photography from this site, other sites and some books. They recommended to try zoos since the animals are there and don't just go away before you can get your picture.
Taking my camera up to the local zoo, I have to admit, I have spent many relaxing hours trying to capture something unique about the animals here. Once of the challenges is to figure out how to caputre them without bars and lines. I am learning to be creative.
There are ways to 'focus out' the lines and I am learning only through trial and error. I think the Big Cats are the worst because there are no open areas that are not surrounded by wires...even overhead.
Animals behind glass are another issue. I am still working on that one, but am getting better at watching for reflections, using shadowed areas and spending time just standing by the cages. I know they don't know me from any other tourist, but from some of the pictures I have captured, you wouldn't know it.
This has been fun. I will continue to visit frequently. It is my goal to capture animals in all seasons and I plan on sharing them with others.
I think the best thing I have done is put pictures into a pre-formatted frame that had about 40 different sized pictures. I took this to my office and use it as a calming tool for me. I also use it as a talking tool for co-workers. It is amazing that I can relate a story for each of the pictures. As much as I feel like a beginner, I actually had some co-workers tell me that they wish they could take pictures like that! I encourage them to share their talents too.
I can say that taking these frequent trips to the zoo has given me experiences I wouldn't have had in the wild. I don't have the money or desire to track down a tiger, or a bear or an alligator to take pictures of it. However, I can share what we have in our little world here with those who may not even be able to go to a zoo.
Keep snapping. Frequently. Taking pictures of the same things over and over gives you an opportunity to explore in a safe environment.
