Let's Go to the ZOO!

Zoo Photography Tips & Tricks

As I've mentioned before on this blog, I'm a big proponent of "accessible" nature photography. I don't believe it is necessary (or sufficient) to take exotic trips to Africa or the Galapagos to produce excellent images. However, staying at home in the US means that many of us never get the chance to see impressive big mammals or fantastical birds - except, of course, when we go to the zoo.

Jacksonville Zoo, FL

I believe that zoos are important for many reasons. Firstly, they do extensive conservation and breeding work, allowing threatened and endangered species to maintain viable wild populations. For example, zoo breeding programs are responsible for saving the red wolf, a species that was driven to extinction in the wild by 1980. Captive breeding programs allowed for the species' continued existence, and the wolf is now being reintroduced today.
Additionally, zoos allow for conservation issues to be made large and tangible to the public, encouraging public support for wildlife conservation.

Okay, on to the photography.

Is it possible to get "natural" looking photographs in a zoo?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Different zoo setups will either help or hinder your quest if you are intent on acquiring "natural" looking images. Here are some tips:

1. Bring your telephoto lens - having a long focal length will allow you to take close portraits of the animals, excluding distracting, man-made backdrops. This is a unique opportunity to take close-up images of animals you would not likely be able to get close to in the wild.

African Stork - Jacksonville Zoo, FL

2. Arrive early - this serves two purposes. One, you will be able to catch any remaining "good" lighting (the downside of a zoo is that many of them do not open early enough for photographers!). Two, you will be able to avoid crowds and thus have access to prime shooting spots.

3. Scout your location - if you intend to visit a zoo for photography purposes, look for one with open enclosures, free-flight aviaries (where there will be no mesh between you and the birds), and enclosures with natural mixes of animals. If you only have access to one zoo, look around for the best vantage points before you start shooting.

Sloth Bear - Fort Worth Zoo, TX

So far, you are making this sound difficult. Why should I bother?

Zoos allow unparalleled access to exotic species, baby animals, and interesting behaviors. It is worth braving the crowds and sticky popcorn for! Also, there are interesting photojournalistic opportunities to be had, as zoos are one of the best places to view animals interacting with people.

Baby bongo - Jacksonville Zoo, FL

How do you feel about photographing in zoos?

Check out my photography basics guide: You can read Part 1 here.

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Thanks for reading!

Compose Yourself - Photography Basics, Part 3

Photography Basics Part 3: Composition and the Rule of Thirds

Read Part 1 and Part 2

In the previous installments of this series, we've talked about shutter speed and aperture - the foundations of a technically good photograph. However, we both know that there is more to an excellent image than high technical skill. This week, we will talk a little bit about the art of photography.

What does composition even mean?
"Composition" refers to the way elements are arranged in the frame. One of the difficulties of photography is learning to actively "see" all of the items in the frame. The brain naturally has a tendency to filter out superfluous or distracting items in the field, while you are acutely focused on your subject. It may not be until after you get home and are reviewing your shots that you realize your cousin Bob's red hat is glaringly present in the corner of each image. Learn to critically evaluate the scene as you are shooting to avoid these types of errors.

What is that "rule of thirds" thing you mentioned in the title?
The Rule of Thirds is a classic rule of art that helps organize and define what makes a particular composition pleasing, or not. The Rule is simple: divide the frame into thirds both ways, so that you have a grid. Your subject ideally should sit at any of the intersection points in the grid. Make sense?

Here is an example.

You can see that I am close but not exact in aligning the top right flower with the grid.

Here is another example:

The idea is not necessarily to be perfectly aligned with the grid (although if you are that good at geometry, more power to you), but rather to avoid plopping the subject dead center.

Why is a centered shot bad?

A "centered" composition can deaden an image, as it leaves no room for the viewer's eye to wander about the frame. The eye is automatically drawn to the center of the image, where it stays. In an off-center, or rule of thirds obliging image, the eye starts at the center and then is engaged to move around the frame by the off-center subject.

So, what you are telling me is, I should never use a centered composition?

Well, no. There are some instances in which a centered composition can produce a very dynamic image.

Fort Worth Zoo

In this example, the heads of the rhinos are centered, while their bodies act as "interest points" spanning away from the main subject. The viewer's eye fixes initially at the central point, then is drawn out to the edges of the frame, and back again into the center. The central placement of their heads visually "draws" the image together.

A center-heavy composition also emphasizes balance, symmetry, and peace. In short, there are no hard rules, although the rule of thirds is an excellent guideline, particularly for beginners.

Don't forget to read Part 1 and Part 2 of Photography Basics.

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My Slimy Friends: Salamanders in Nature Photography

If I recall correctly, Calvin (of Calvin and Hobbes fame), made some remark about how nature was gross, because something was always crawling or oozing slime on you.
Dear reader, I humbly submit that this is not a bad thing.

This week, we are going to talk about salamanders as unique and beautiful nature photography subjects.

Salamanders are some of my favorite animals. Brightly colored or simple brown, they squirm and squiggle their way through quick-moving streams and underneath mossy rocks. Turn over a stone here and who knows - perhaps a translucent dragonfly larva, or possibly a vibrant orange amphibian.

Eurycea cirrigera - Southern Two Lined Salamander

 Amphibians are an oft neglected subject in the world of nature photography. Not as available as insects, pitifully unglamorous next to big mammals, they tend to shrink away into their damp worlds of moss and wet stone.

Desmognathus quadramaculatus - Black-bellied Salamander

Perhaps that is why I am so fond of them. After all, I cannot resist the contrast of soft vegetation against slimy Caudatan skin. It was love at first sight, really.

Salamanders are delicate animals; soft, overcast lighting and macro lenses do them great favors. As with most other subjects, early morning is the best time to photograph them. Not only do you get the most flattering light this way, but the cold-blooded salamanders will be the most sluggish (read: most willing to sit still for you).

If you do handle any salamanders, make sure to do so gently. Do a little research of the species in your area before you go out, however, as some are toxic. And finally, do not remove animals from their habitats or take them far away from where you found them searching for a "better" photo. Remember that you are a guest in the salamander's dank world.

Southern Two-Lined Salamander

The melting ice and warming temperatures simply remind me, in tantalizing whispers, that salamander season is coming again. So, if you should find yourself near a swampy forest or a cold mountain stream, consider (carefully) turning over stones and logs to look for amphibians.

(All photos were taken at Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. The Smoky Mountain region is considered to be a biodiversity hotspot for salamanders.)

Nikon D70 + Sigma 100mm macro

Check out this post for some tips on taking great animal portraits! Please remember to share, follow, and subscribe via the fancy sidebar options! Here is my tumblr and here I am on bloglovin.

By the Sea: A Post About Shorebirds

When people think of Florida nature photography, several animals come to mind: the vibrant roseate spoonbill, the elegant white egret, and the dangerous american alligator. However, many people forget or neglect the little shorebirds that speed up and down the coastline, trying to keep up with the tides.

Sanderling - Anastasia State Park, FL

They can be hard to photograph because they can be hard to catch. By the same token, they can be a boon to those with less lenspower as they will sometimes dart right in front of you!

Ruddy Turnstone

They tend to travel in small groups and forage right where the ocean meets the shore. They are highly active little animals and can be good subjects to watch if you are hoping to snag some in-flight photos.

Willets - Bowman's Beach - Sanibel Island, FL

What's your favorite animal to photograph?

Equipment: Nikon D70 + Nikkor 70-300mm zoom