Zoo Photography

Left Image: Minolta Maxxum 9xi, 300mm f-2.8 APO lens, Fuji Velvia 50, Bogen tripod and ball head.
Spot meter and opening up +1/2 stop exposure compensation, approx. 1/60 sec and f-4 on aperture priority and auto focus.

Zoos are great places for photographing animals. Many zoos now exhibit their animals in natural settings that resembles their habitats. You will need to use a long lens for most of your zoo pictures. I have found that 300mm and longer lenses work best. Longer lenses let you isolate the animal and remove distracting or unnatural backgrounds. Your main problem will be fences and glass barriers. For shots of animals behind fences, you'll need a wide aperture. Get as close to the fence as possible, and use your telephoto lens set at its widest aperture. You can place your lens right up to the fence at some exhibits. This way you can use one of the openings between the fence. The wide open aperture of long lenses, creates a shallow depth-of-field which melts the fence, preventing it from showing up in your photograph. You loose image sharpness When photographing through glass. The glass is like a cheap filter placed over your lens, and will degrade image quality. You can still take good pictures from behind glass barriers. Find a spot that has no scratches. Make sure it is clean, otherwise wipe the glass clean (I use my T-shirt), and push your lens up against the glass. A rubber lens hood comes in handy here. By placing your lens against the glass, you can also remove reflection. This will prevent your own reflection or other people standing behind you. You can even use your flash if you place your lens against the glass, otherwise hold your flash at a 45 degree angle with a flash bracket.

Tamron SP AF 200-500mm/F5-6.3 Di LD (IF)
is a sharp and versatile lens for zoo photography.

You need to create images that will look natural. Artificial rocks, plants, or concrete floors look fake. Use a longer lens and take close-up shots if there is no other way to prevent artificial objects from showing up. Animals are most active early in the morning and at feeding times. These are the best times to take some great shots. You need to spend some time at each exhibit. Don't try to cover everything in one day. Set up your tripod and focus on the animal. Slightly loosen your tripod's controls for better maneuverability. Keep your eye on the animal and your finger on the shutter release. Set your exposure and choose continues advance. This doesn't mean you'll be shooting at 5 frames per second, but you'll be ready to fire a burst if you see action. Release the shutter and quickly lift your finger off for single shots, or keep it pressed for continuous advance. You can build a great collection of images at the zoo. I prefer photographing animals in their natural habitats. However, photographing many rare and exotic animals is only possible at the zoo. I doubt if I can ever photograph snow leopards in the wild. Zoos allow me to add snow leopards to my collection, and if a photo buyer is looking for snow leopard shots, I have them.