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- Frank J
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These are some pictures that I took this weekend at a local small zoo.
Here are some tips to enhance your results:
1. Plan Your Visit
Timing: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when animals are more active and lighting is softer.
Weather: Overcast days are ideal for even lighting without harsh shadows.
Research: Check feeding times or special animal demonstrations for action shots.
2. Bring the Right Gear
Lens Choice: Use a zoom lens (I used in this case my R6 w/EF100-400L Mk2) for wide angle shots I used my iPhone 16 Pro.
Camera Settings:
3. Work with Composition
4. Overcome Challenges
Fencing:
Use a wide aperture and position the lens close to the fence to make it disappear in the background.
Align the lens with gaps in the fencing.
Glass Enclosures:
Avoid reflections by shooting at an angle and placing the lens close to the glass.
Clean the glass with a microfiber cloth if allowed.
Crowds: Be patient and shoot when the crowd clears.
5. Capture Behavior and Details
Photograph animals interacting, eating, or playing for dynamic shots.
Focus on unique features like textures of fur, scales, or feathers.
6. Be Respectful
Avoid using flash, as it can disturb animals.
Respect barriers and zoo rules to ensure your safety and the well-being of the animals.
7. Post-Processing
Edit your photos to enhance contrast, correct color, and crop out distracting elements.
Use noise reduction tools if you had to shoot at high ISO.
Here are some tips to enhance your results:
1. Plan Your Visit
Timing: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when animals are more active and lighting is softer.
Weather: Overcast days are ideal for even lighting without harsh shadows.
Research: Check feeding times or special animal demonstrations for action shots.
2. Bring the Right Gear
Lens Choice: Use a zoom lens (I used in this case my R6 w/EF100-400L Mk2) for wide angle shots I used my iPhone 16 Pro.
Camera Settings:
- Shoot in RAW: Offers flexibility in editing.
- Shutter Speed: Use fast speeds to freeze animal movement (1/500s or faster for active animals).
- Aperture: Use wide apertures (e.g., f/5.6) to blur backgrounds and isolate subjects.
- ISO: Adjust to maintain proper exposure; higher ISO for dimly lit areas.
3. Work with Composition
- Focus on Eyes: The eyes are the most expressive and engaging part of an animal photo. I also spend some time editing the eyes in Lightroom Classic to make them stand out by brightening them.
- Framing: Use natural elements like branches or rocks in the enclosure to frame your subject.
- Perspective: Get at eye level with the animals for a more intimate perspective.
4. Overcome Challenges
Fencing:
Use a wide aperture and position the lens close to the fence to make it disappear in the background.
Align the lens with gaps in the fencing.
Glass Enclosures:
Avoid reflections by shooting at an angle and placing the lens close to the glass.
Clean the glass with a microfiber cloth if allowed.
Crowds: Be patient and shoot when the crowd clears.
5. Capture Behavior and Details
Photograph animals interacting, eating, or playing for dynamic shots.
Focus on unique features like textures of fur, scales, or feathers.
6. Be Respectful
Avoid using flash, as it can disturb animals.
Respect barriers and zoo rules to ensure your safety and the well-being of the animals.
7. Post-Processing
Edit your photos to enhance contrast, correct color, and crop out distracting elements.
Use noise reduction tools if you had to shoot at high ISO.
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