Where is it possible to see animals from the seven continents all in a few square miles? Where can you see wildlife of the Arctic and wear shorts and a T-shirt in the summer? How is it possible to go on safari and not have to book airline tickets, get special medications and injections, and travel for two days just to get there? Where can fantastic animal photos be made of animals found around the globe? The answer to these questions can be found in three little letters and a trip to most major cities - zoo. 

Zoo photography can be very productive and it allows a photographer to capture a diversity of species at close range. While every trip to the zoo may not be as productive as others, this is also true when you go out into the field to photograph wildlife. The more often you go, the more you’ll learn what enclosures get morning light, afternoon light, when the animals are the most active, when the babies are born, and how the seasons impact the behavior of the animals. Visit at different times of the year as the angle of the sun changes throughout. I encourage to join the zoo and get a membership as it will allow you as many “safaris” for a single price. The more often you go, the cheaper it becomes. To get great zoo shots, absorb some of the tips below.

Plan Your Trips: Most zoos have a detailed website. You’ll want to visit it often for updates regarding feeding times of the animals. Go at these times as the animals will be more active. Check to see if any new ones are born. Shots of the babies are great to capture. Research to find out each animal’s breeding season as the males are more active and in better shape. The birds will be more colorful and the big mammals will look regal. If the exhibit contains foliage, a trip in the autumn can provide a colorful backdrop. 

©Russell Burden

Equipment: Bring your longest lens that you’ll be able to carry throughout the day. A popular zoo lens is the Nikon 80-400 or Canon 100-400. A tripod is essential as it will support your gear while you’re waiting for the animal to display some behavior. It can also act as a light stand to hold a flash when you photograph the indoor exhibits. Bring a flash or two to photograph the indoor exhibits. If you bring an assistant, he or she can hold your flashes. Use multiple to create a more evenly lit look. Have your assistant hold the flashes right up to the glass so you don’t wind up capturing reflections from the glass. Bring a telephoto macro lens as many of the animals behind glass live at the front of the exhibit and you’ll need a lens capable of close focusing. Bring a rolling cart to carry your gear so you don’t get burned out as quickly. Some of the serious zoo photographers I know have converted wagons to haul their stuff while others have created their own systems out of luggage carriers or walkers.

©Russell Burden

Weather: Don’t let the cold, snow, or overcast days prevent you from making an excursion to the zoo. As a matter of fact, each of the above can provide better conditions than bright sun. A cold day finds many animals more active and the ones that love the cold, such as the polar bears, may appreciate your visit and reward you with great images. Snow is great as it hides tell tale signs of the zoo environment and provides great opportunities to get a unique look. Bright overcast days work well as the animals are evenly lit and you don’t need to fight shadows and harsh contrast caused by the sun. Additionally, you won’t have to contend with the fair weather crowds of people.

©Russell Burden

Technique: Study the light falling on each animal. Photograph those that receive even light. If an animal is close enough and your flash is powerful enough, use fill flash if the light is contrasty. Try to eliminate distractions such as man made objects, offensive branches, fences, or anything else that would take the viewer’s eye from the animal. Shoot wide open to limit the depth of field to help throw a distracting background out of focus. If there are metal bars through which you have to photograph, get your lens as close as possible to them and use your widest aperture to make them “invisible.” Check the LCD to see if they appear. Set your ISO high enough to make sure you have a fast enough shutter speed to be able to stop the action and be sure to set your camera to high speed motor drive. Zoo photographing can be fun and very rewarding. Use all the above tips as a foundation to get you started and come back with lots of great shots.

To learn more about this topic, join me on one of my Nature Photo Tours. Visit russburdenphotography.com and click on the NATURE TOURS button for more information. Also, email me to be placed on my Tip of the Week list and to receive announcements about upcoming tours specials or to pick up a copy of my book, Amphoto’s Complete Book of Photography. You can purchase a signed copy directly from me or visit your local book store or Amazon. Contact me at rburden@ecentral.com to order your signed copy.