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04/20/2007 11:43:58 AM · #1 |
I think we're heading to the Toronto Zoo on Sunday with the kids.
I'll be packing my D50 and my 55-200mm lens.
I have a polarizing filter, a UV filter, and a lens hood.
I also have a light meter, but I'm not sure how I'd use it at the zoo.
What suggestions do you have for getting nice, clear shots of the animals ? I'd love to be able to print some out for the kids after the trip.
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04/20/2007 11:45:58 AM · #2 |
Pay close attention to backgrounds. Your best images will be those that do not show the animal in captivity; no fences, cages, etc. Watch the light too, if they're in full sun its going to be hard to get a good-looking shot. Tripod might be a good idea too since you may have to wait at each venue for a while before you get an animal in a good location.
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04/20/2007 11:58:33 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by idnic:
Pay close attention to backgrounds. Your best images will be those that do not show the animal in captivity; no fences, cages, etc. Watch the light too, if they're in full sun its going to be hard to get a good-looking shot. Tripod might be a good idea too since you may have to wait at each venue for a while before you get an animal in a good location. |
good suggestions. a few more:
early morning and late afternoon are better (but less) light. Also less people at those times and animals are typically fed in the morning. Active animals make for better shots than sleeping animals. When inside, I usually set my camera to manual and under expose by 1-2 stops. the images look more natural (at least to me). Anticipate what the animal is going to do next so you can catch that - lessens blur when you are constantly moving to keep up with them. Have fun. Photograph your kids and the other people around you. Half the time, they are more interesting than the animals anyway.
Thats all I got... |
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04/20/2007 12:05:25 PM · #4 |
| Pay attention to your ISO to maintain the highest shutter speed yet not so high as to introduce noise.Shoot in raw. |
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04/20/2007 12:13:17 PM · #5 |
Cindi has some good suggestions.I might also suggest if possible rent a bit of a faster len to be able to blur the fence your shooting through as well as the background. I'm going to post a few examples of how to make the photos not look "zoo-like" from the past week at our DPC GTG zoo. Backgrounds, active or natural resting positions are best for prints. I always try to shoot in AV mode and then use ISO to keep my shutter speed where I need it for the situation. Then use EC + or - to keep my exposure where I want it based on sunlight.
Shot through a fence at f2.8 to blur fence 
Get down low and give it a natural feel 
Shoot tight crop tighter to blur the BG  
Good luck, and most of all remember to have fun and if you end up with prints great, if not remember your with your family doing something you all enjoy so its not wasted if you dont.
MattO
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04/20/2007 12:18:28 PM · #6 |
| Ask before you use your flash, especially indoors. |
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04/20/2007 12:24:44 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Blind_squirrel:
Shoot in raw. |
I've found myself reverting to JPEG any time that I need rapid-fire shooting. With animals, even in a zoo, burst shooting is going to be important. With my 20D, the processor overloads at about 6 images shooting in RAW. In JPEG, I can squeeze off as many as 60 images before it overloads.
I'd try as many shots without the polarizer as with. A polarizer can really cut down your ability to shoot at the higher shutter speeds you'll want for animals. That being said, a polarizer can cut down on the sheen of animal hair to give you a more professional look. You'll just have to find a balance that works well for you :) |
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04/20/2007 12:35:27 PM · #8 |
I cant recommend much as I'm still learning what works for different situations but as said before be mindful of your ISO its been biting me in the butt a lot lately :) good example below what I thought was a decent shot ended up a so so shot because I was indoors just before going to the lion exhibit and forgot to change my ISO back from 800 :(
-dave
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04/20/2007 01:14:27 PM · #9 |
Sometimes including the fence can add to the image.
 
Tim |
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04/20/2007 01:34:44 PM · #10 |
Thanks !
I won't be able to take my tripod - we're already toting 3 kids and their gear. I'll also be shooting with the baby tied to my chest most of the time, which is something of an impediment, as he likes to bat at the camera and complains if I use his head as a support *lol*
Renting a different lens is not going to happen for a family trip to the zoo - as tempting as it is to try out something different, all my gear is still quite new to me, so I'm still learning it.
What exactly is the function of the lens hood anyhow ? Should I use it or not ? It came with the lens.
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04/20/2007 01:36:14 PM · #11 |
Absolutely positively YES, use the lens hood. It keeps stray light from entering the lens indoors and outdoors. Helps to prevent lens flare in your images.
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04/20/2007 01:37:29 PM · #12 |
Ah - a nice concise answer - I like that.
Thanks Cindi.
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04/20/2007 02:17:53 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by kashi:
... I won't be able to take my tripod - we're already toting 3 kids and their gear. I'll also be shooting with the baby tied to my chest most of the time, which is something of an impediment, as he likes to bat at the camera and complains if I use his head as a support *lol* ... |
:) Have you tried using a monopod? It can double as a walking stick also. Not as good as a tripod for stability, but works well in tight spots, and with kids in tow. Local camera shops have them if time is an issue, and they don't cost very much (there are always varying degrees of worth).
Whatever you end up doing, as stated earlier - Have FUN! :D |
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04/20/2007 02:19:07 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by idnic:
Absolutely positively YES, use the lens hood. It keeps stray light from entering the lens indoors and outdoors. Helps to prevent lens flare in your images. |
Also is helpful in protecting your lens somewhat (let the lenshood take the accidental bump into the metal bars, stone wall, etc...). |
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04/20/2007 02:36:04 PM · #15 |
The weather is supposed to be awesome this weekend. My advice for the Toronto Zoo is to get there early, check the feeding schedule, and make a plan. When I go with my family, we don't plan on seeign the entire zoo, it's just too big.
The best spot at the polar bears is furthest to the right, next to the keepers-box, so no glass is in your way. This is a spot worth fighting the tourists for, bring a shiv. Patience is a virtue, but I know how it is with kids, and I hope you have hubby there to keep them occupied. If not, I wouldn't worry about photographing animals & just enjoy the day. :-)
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04/20/2007 02:43:50 PM · #16 |
Another tip or two...
Get a program at the entrance that tells what the feeding times for each of the animals are and then "stake out" your spot early for the animals that interest you the most. The animals really liven up and get active when they know feeding time is approaching.
The big cats are usually the most popular and will get the most crowded. Talk to the zoo employees to find out from where the animals will be fed and ask them where you can stand to get the best shots. Sometimes, they will try to arrange it so that the animals are drawn into a position favorable to you just because you took the time to express interest and now they want to be a part of you getting the best shot possible.
I have some pretty good shots of a white tiger leaping vertically from off of his hind legs with his one of his front paws reaching into the air. (I'd love to post it here but I have just discovered a problem accessing my external hard drive.) What you can't see is the piece of meat that is just out of the shot that was just thrown to him. The resulting shot looks pretty good with the tiger baring his teeth and snarling.
Another idea is to arrive early and head immediately past the crowds at the first several enclosures. Then continue on towards the back of the zoo just staying ahead of the crowds. You can visit the animals you missed on your way out, but at least you might be able to enjoy the majority of the zoo with a little less people in the way. |
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04/20/2007 02:59:10 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by glad2badad:
Originally posted by idnic:
Absolutely positively YES, use the lens hood. It keeps stray light from entering the lens indoors and outdoors. Helps to prevent lens flare in your images. |
Also is helpful in protecting your lens somewhat (let the lenshood take the accidental bump into the metal bars, stone wall, etc...). |
It will also help keep stray fingers off the lens as well.
Tim |
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04/20/2007 03:01:09 PM · #18 |
Use natural light with no filter. If it is a bright day those are some of the best shots for a "natural" look on the animals.
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04/20/2007 03:20:45 PM · #19 |
WC Fields once said never work with animals or children. You never know what they are going to do. You will probably take lots of shots to get a handful of good ones.
There have been a lot of good suggestions already. As far as dealing with enclosures, you encounter two types- glass and wire cages. For the first, I suggest dark clothes so you do not contribute to reflections- there will be enough from other sources. Watch for reflections in your viewfinder- sometimes you can use your hand to block some of them if you are close and the lens hood can help too. Cages- using a longer lens and shooting wide open while being as close to the wires as you can may help reduce their visability.
If you are interested, I have some in my gallery here taken at the San Diego Zoo with my 18- 135mm lens- I should be getting my new 70- 300mm lens today which I think will help me more. Your 200mm lens should have a nice reach and narrow depth of field. //www.pbase.com/jeffryz/san_diego_zoo
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04/20/2007 03:38:02 PM · #20 |
My tip: compose your friggin shots instead of just hoping for the best.
I see photographers shooting 1000 shots at the zoo and not taking their time to look at distracting backgrounds, harsh light, etc. Nice way to spend the next week photoshopping the crap out of your pics.
Also: enjoy yourself. Take time to actually observe the animals instead of just tuning out and shooting 1000 shots.
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