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06/10/2005 11:53:12 PM · #1 |
Going to San Diego this weekend. Thinking of going to the Wild Animal park. Good photo ops if I just pay the regular park admission (not the special Adventure Photo Caravan)? Any advice about things to do there for a 1-day trip to the park? (don't miss things). I thought I read something about feeding time antics...
Thanks!
Mark |
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06/10/2005 11:57:35 PM · #2 |
BradP is your go-to guy here; he lives next door to the WAP. I'm a native San Diegan, and I was the Architect's photographer for many years. So I once knew the place well.
The standard admission will give you a myriad of photo opportunities, especially if you have a reasonably long lens. You will want to take the monorail ride, and you should take it as soon as the park opens or late in the evening, for light and activity. The bird show has some great opportunities. The exhibits, in general, are wide-open and allow you to shoot without interference.
It's a wonderful place.
Robt.
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06/11/2005 12:10:49 AM · #3 |
Thanks Bear.
Calling BradP !!!!!! :) |
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06/11/2005 12:29:44 AM · #4 |
You rang?? 
Regular admission will take you on the tram ride around the park, which in itself is great! Walk-around to all the enclosures & attractions is fine too. I spent an entire day there, on regular admission, and doubt I missed much. The special times/events such as feedings etc. are pretty clearly posted and you will get a map/brochure.
Maybe I take a less hectic, time constrained have to do this, have to do that approach, and it makes it better for me anyway.
A lot of bird (hint-hint) photo ops there too.
Park is only about 4 miles from my shop - holler if ya need anything, I'll be there all day. (760) 738-4800 |
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06/11/2005 12:34:32 AM · #5 |
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06/11/2005 12:36:33 AM · #6 |
This is making me want to go back to San Diego (where I grew up). Can't wait to go back and visit!
Have fun 4score! |
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06/11/2005 12:41:11 AM · #7 |
Oh yah and take your own straws in with you...When you buy those big azz drinks they don't give you a straw (want you to buy one of those goofy curly ones with the animal on it).
And get there early so you can park in the first 7 or so rows...that hill up from anywhere below that is a killer.
Andy
Map is here... bottom right is heart of africa...head that direction and you will put in a day.
Message edited by author 2005-06-11 01:10:36.
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06/11/2005 01:01:14 AM · #8 |
Bird shots were already in my Bird folder,
others were just quick edits & resizes:
Most shots taken with 3x converter (420mm equiv)
    
    
    
   
Message edited by author 2005-06-11 01:06:58. |
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06/11/2005 01:08:28 AM · #9 |
Hey Brad maybe we should do a documentary :)
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06/11/2005 01:13:13 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by awpollard:
Hey Brad maybe we should do a documentary :) |
LOL - More than 10 minutes notice to find the pics, edit, zip em up & upload, then format a post would be nice.
Only one problem now:
Using 24.7mb / 25mb (98.90%) |
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06/11/2005 01:27:52 AM · #11 |
Yeah, what everybody else said... :-D I've never been on the photo caravan, though I'm sure it's pretty cool being able to get down into the enclosures. But you can get some pretty decent shots from the tram and Brad was right ALOT of bird opportunities. These were taken on my trip home back in April.
 ... ... ...
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It's definetly a nice way to spend a day. Have fun!
Edited to add: Watch our for those Lorikeet's!! They can be some greedy little buggers!! :-)
Message edited by author 2005-06-11 01:29:27.
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06/12/2005 12:22:38 AM · #12 |
Thanks guys!
We are here in San Diego....staying at a hotel about 30 minutes from the park. I have all your recommendations so I'm armed! Our only problem is that neither my son nor I have a long lens!! Oh well, we'll see what we come up with. My son has his D-70 with 28-80 mm and I have my trusty Sony 717. You guys have some WONDERFUL images!
Thanks,
Mark
Message edited by author 2005-06-12 01:02:05. |
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06/12/2005 12:49:48 AM · #13 |
To get shots nice and tight without a telephoto, I'd recommend shooting RAW and then cropping to get closer photos at the end, or buy/borrow a telephoto if you can.
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06/12/2005 12:54:17 AM · #14 |
Lenses might be a bit short for the WGASA (name of the tram), long story short legend has it that the when the board of directors were trying to think up a name for the tram one of the guys said "Who gives a shiznit anyways"? and the name was found. But it is a fun 45 minute ride...
Find the Animal Encounters (animals are brought out into open areas) throughout the day, hit the Hawk Talk, Meerkats, Lorikeets, Lions, Cheetah feeding (only time the Cheetah is out close), hang out at the pond for lunch and you will see plenty of birds and the lemurs. You will be plenty close at all of these.
Also one that gets overlooked as you go into the park you enter a little village right behind the gift shop (left as you are looking at it) is some really cool monkeys in an open area and are pretty close to another eating area.
Enjoy...
You may even run into me out there...
Message edited by author 2005-06-12 00:55:15.
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