How to Photograph Zoo Animals

If you can't afford to go on safari this summer, consider going to your local zoo to get those wild animal pictures from the safety of a park bench.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camera Monopods
• Camera Straps
• Camera Flashes
• Camera Filters
• Camera Batteries
• Camera Lens Caps
• Camera Lenses
• Film
• Camera Tripod
• Cameras
• Camera Bags
• Camera Polarizer Filters

1. Follow the rules posted by the zoo about the use of flashes or tripods in the animal buildings.

2. Choose a film suited for the lighting and type of pictures you wish to take. ASA or ISO 100 film is best for good outdoor lighting and will provide enlargements without graininess. ASA or ISO 200 or 400 film is a good all-around film for both inside (with a flash) and outside in sunlight.

3. Use a longer lens for close-up shots at some distance from you; a wide-angle lens can provide a different view of the same scene. A wide-angle lens will show you the surrounding environment, such as a bear in a pool with other bears lying around.

4. Take a polarizer filter to help soften the bright sunlight. The filter will also add a deeper texture to your colors.

5. Slip on your enhancer filter when taking pictures of brightly colored birds - this will really bring out the rich colors of their plumage.

6. Rest your camera on a tripod or monopod to help reduce motion blur that will take away from the sharpness of your photograph.

7. Frame your shot using the one-third rule. See "How to Photograph Butterflies in a Butterfly House" in the Related eHows for instructions.

8. Shoot pictures of the same subject from different angles and both vertically and horizontally for a variety of perspectives.

9. If you are using a tripod, use a slower shutter speed to absorb more color into your picture.

10. Watch for shadows that may show up in your photograph. A tiger might turn its head, creating a dark shadow on half of its face. Try using a flash to fill in some of the shadow.

Tips & Warnings

• Set up your camera and watch the animals, but be ready to snap the shot when it comes along. You might have only an instant to capture that elusive lion smile.
• Go to the zoo during the week for smaller crowds. Early mornings and late evenings provide the best lighting.
• Take plenty of film and batteries.
• Slower shutter speeds allow for absorption of colors but will not stop very fast motion.
• Never leave your equipment or tripod unattended.

on 8/14/2006 Not only is the lighting good, there's sometimes less people in your way, and the animals are out because it's not so hot in the morning. I think 9:00 or 10:00 in the morning is the best time to go.