Zoo Animal Photography
By Jessica Kuligowski
20 April 2008
Getting great shots of wild animals can be as much about luck as it is skill. You have to be at the right place at the right time, and if it doesn't turn out right, you can't easily go back and re-shoot the project.
It would lead many to believe that your local zoo or aquarium is your answer. The animals are always there and up-close, and being used to people, they may even cooperate with your efforts.
Sometimes it works out. My volunteer work at multiple local aquariums has given me countless photo opportunities. However, as I learned as a photography student a few years ago, zoo animals can be as much of a challenge as wild animals.
One of the first obstacles one must overcome is the enclosure walls. The windows look clear, but they will reflect flash. Any kind of fencing will show up in the photo. Both will throw off the autofocus. So, when it is possible to shoot unobstructed (say, where the fence is lower because of a moat), do so. If not, use manual focus if you can. Also, try to avoid using your flash when shooting through a window. When that is not possible, try to either position the flash at an angle or right against the window. This will minimize any reflections.
Which leads to the second common problem: low light conditions. This isn't always a problem – outdoor exhibits as well as ones with live plants are notable exceptions. Indoors, however, it's a different story. A fast lens (f-4 or faster) and a high ISO rating (800 speed) are advisable, and it's a good idea to have a good flash unit on hand for when the need is unavoidable.
On that note, however, please check for signs. The "No Flash Photography" sign is easily (and commonly) ignored, but it's there for the animals' own good. If you don't see a sign and aren't sure, don't be afraid to ask.
Now you're ready to start shooting. Try to find out when public feedings and training demonstrations are (usually this will be somewhere on the zoo's website, or pick up a paper copy by the zoo's entrance). You can still get great shots in between times, but these presentations will yield some fantastic opportunities, as can be seen in "Ready for Splashdown," which was taken during the dolphin presentation at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. In the short "high energy" portion of the demonstration, I got three great shots of Nicholas breaching.
The opportunities aren't always going to fall into your lap, however. Prior to that dolphin presentation, I spent a good hour following Nicholas and Indy with my camera. Out of 40 or so shots, only a handful were "picture perfect". Patience and practice do pay off, and it can be seen in "Dolphin Games" and "Diving Down".
If you stay on the lookout, you will find many great photos that you wouldn't have the opportunity to in a wild setting. Because captive animals are acclimated to humans, you can often get much closer. Wild whistling ducks, for example, probably wouldn't let any human too close to them. In "Naptime," the Florida Aquarium's whistling ducks are so comfortable with humans that it doesn't even interfere with their nap.
One of the most important rules to follow in any kind of animal photography is to not rush. It's tempting to look at an exhibit, not find anything too interesting and move on to the next one. Take your time, and observe the animals. Your reward will be some great opportunities. If you don't see them right away, just start shooting. I can almost guarantee that you will still end up with some beautiful ("The Big One") and perhaps humorous ("Blowhole") pictures.
Lastly, remember to respect the animals. Some people think nothing of banging on windows or throwing things at the animals, but doing so is disrespectful to the animals and their keepers, and can be dangerous for everyone.
Animal photography is fun, but when it can get too challenging, zoos and aquariums provide numerous unequaled animal photography opportunities. Good luck and have fun shooting!
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