Zoo Photography Tips

Are you satisfied with the photos you took last year at your favourite zoo?

These are some tips that will help you improve your outdoor photography experience.

1. Fill the Frame

Although some exhibits are more appealing than others, the composition of animal photography can prove difficult, even for the most beautiful. Sometimes the angles are a bit complicated, or the fence reminds us that the animals are at a zoo. When this happens, zoom in on the image or crop it so that the animal fills the frame and not the surrounding objects.

2. Capture the Interaction between Animals

Although portraits are great, the most adorable images are those of a family together. The tenderness of a mother for her baby is a great reminder of the love that animals have. Happy gestures can also be shared between siblings and other family members.

3. Explore Different Angles

We always consider the obvious when approaching an animal exhibit. However, moving around can open up a lot of possibilities.

Animal exhibits can be great because you can move around them, and you might have to squat to reach their eyes, but it pays off!

4. Take Care When Choosing a Zoo

Modern zoos are the best for photography. You will find beautiful decorations with scenes of plants, rocks, or sand that correspond to the particular area where animals live.

5. Quality VS Quantity

It’s easy to want to see everything in a zoo. This is a great idea for your first visit. If you want to take great photos, limit your time with animals. This is how you can ensure you get great shots.

6. The Animal may look at you if you are patient

These adorable creatures look so cute while they’re playing, sleeping, or eating… but it’s magical when they look at me.

Photographing animals requires patience. Be respectful and do not shout at animals or jump or wave to get their attention. This is not helpful. People and animals have been known to do this, while I have seen them turn around or walk away. Some of these lovely beings may be used to it and will ignore such human behaviour.

I advise you to remain still and calm. They might be curious and will look at you with sweet eyes.

7. Avoid Crowds

Animals get annoyed by crowds and will run away when they see them. You should choose carefully when and where you visit the zoo. You can also go on weekends if you prefer to be there in the morning. You will be able to take the best photographs and go as soon as the zoo opens.

8. Concentrate on the Eyes

The eyes are often referred to as the window into the soul. This could also be what makes a photograph unique. Camera manufacturers are well aware of this and have developed automatic portrait modes that detect the eyes. This feature allows people to take better photos.

Some animals have unique eyes, so it is important that you focus the image on those parts.

9. Animal Textures

Sometimes animals don’t do enough. Sometimes, they just don’t like the way they look in photographs. What can we do? We can’t persuade them into posing for our cameras, so we need to be aware of what we are seeing. How about a close-up to capture textures?

These texture photos can be stunning. They can be stunning, and you might be surprised at how beautiful they are.

10. Zoo Etiquette for Photographers

Photographers are welcome at most zoos. However, you should follow these guidelines for etiquette:

Respect animals.
Flash the animals not.
Take care not to get in the way or distract from other people taking photos.
Avoid any barriers and remain in public areas at all costs.
You should check with the zoo if tripods are allowed on their premises. Some zoos just allow monopods.
Photos for personal use. Photographs taken at the zoo must be licensed by them.
While some of these guidelines might seem obvious, it isn’t always. These guidelines will be helpful next time you visit the zoo.

All my best wishes for a happy shooting session!

You can also find the following sections:

-Zoo Animal Games

-Special reports

Information about conservation efforts

Photo gear reviews

Famous photographers are at work.

What you didn’t know: Zoos and some great animal photos!

We are happy to answer any questions that you may have.