Zoo animals

Hi i am about to go to the Houston Zoo. I need any advice i can get on what animals photograph best or time of day or anything else you can give me.

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Permalink Reply by Diane Bowles on January 8, 2012 at 4:33pm

Earlier in the day is usually the best as the animals are generally more active. If you're lucky you might catch them feeding some of the large animals. I have never been to the Houston Zoo - look forward to seeing some of your shots. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Barry Giles on March 31, 2012 at 7:03am

Hi Maddie, I have been teaching Wildlife Photography for more than 30 years and the best advise that I can give you is shoot tight on the animals. This gives you far less chance of getting bars etc. in the image. Always check around the edge of the image before you shoot to make sure that you are not cutting ears and the like off. When shooting trough bars try to shoot with the bars in the shade as this will help stop any out of hot spots in the foreground. I always try to shoot close to wide open as this will help eliminate bars/cages as well as keeping any other "Man Made" items out focus.

Morning is best to shoot and some Zoos will let you come early. Best to ask if this is possible before you get there. Watch for shadows in the animals enclosures I know that our Cougars here in Calgary have a wire mesh on the top of their enclosure and in bright sun light they have a shadowed grid that covers everything including the cats. Believe it or not a high over cast day is far better than a bright sunny day.

The most important thing is to shoot lots and Have Fun!

All the Best