Guidelines for Getting Around Efficiently

The very first thing is Know Your Zoo. If you are able to, purchase a season pass. A onetime trip to the zoo isn't the best way to attain photographic justice for the subjects there. Start out by going for the zoo's web site and printing out a map. Make sure North is indicated so you can orient the map and get an idea of where the light will be at different times from the day. Plan your day time and your shooting to catch the best lighting.

Show up and be ready to go when the zoo opens… be first in line… know beforehand wherever the large carnivores like cats and wolves are… this is your greatest chance of getting a shot of them performing some thing cool. Carnivores sleep 18-20 hours a day time, but they're just being or have just been fed and put out which means they're awake.

The greatest light for photography will usually be early in the morning, the late afternoon, and early evening. Mid-day is just too harsh to complete justice to your subjects. Take a nap between 11AM and 4PM. Fortunately, you brought your zoo map and have an idea of wherever the light is going to be greatest depending upon the time from the day time. Follow the light.

Should you try to take photos throughout the middle part from the day, you will get harsh light followed by dark shadows and you’ll get featureless highlights or noisy dark locations, plus washed out colors. Most zoo animals also seem to pursue the shade and nap throughout the mid-day, limiting your photographic choices. Nothing makes for a dull photograph like a sleeping animal with its back to you.

It may be a good idea to leave the kids at home whenever you go on a zoo photography expedition. Nothing like having a photographer along on a loved ones trip to bore and frustrate the life out of them. Most zoo visitors  take a quick snapshot and move along for the following animal. Not you – you’re going to pick only one or two animals for that morning, and for the evening. Wandering mindlessly is for tourists – you’re on the mission. Remember, Mindful photography, not snapshot photography.

On days that you're not so intent on capturing that great moment, take the kids and have a good time!