You’ll want to take a lot of photos to remember your visit to the zoo. Since the animals can control their environment and choose whether or not they want to be seen by guests, it can be difficult to get the best pictures. Safety barriers, such as glass, may also be there to keep guests safe.
Lincoln Park Zoo has a staff that is adept at taking beautiful photos of animals. They are on-site and can see the animals frequently, but they have also developed tried-and-true methods to produce the professional photos you see on the zoo’s social media pages, website, and gift shop.
Here are some tips from the zoo’s experts. These include a zoo-based photographer, the star of the zoo’s social media team, Videographer Sean Raju, and Curator of large mammals and Carnivores Cassy Kutilek, whose photograph of Cleo and Pilipili posing on a heated stone was featured in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums 2023 photo competition. She’s not a professional, but she is able to capture some really special moments as she checks on animals every day.
1. Closely approach the glass or mesh of the habitat.
Don’t zoom out if you want to take a picture of an animal behind a mesh or glass barrier (which might be decorated with dots to deter birds, like at the Pepper Family Wildlife Center). Put your phone up right next to the barrier.
You can remove unwanted elements by bringing your phone up close and positioning the lens between the mesh or dots. Keep your distance from the barriers and avoid restricted areas.
2. Discover new perspectives.
Everyone will use thereon will our pictures. The zoo offers many less-visited areas where you can get some amazing images of animals. Shoot from the top of Regenstein’s Small Mammal and Reptile House. Caitlin Mbley, Social Media Coordinator, suggests that you visit areas you would not usually go to. Instead of standing outside at Pepper Family Wildlife Center, you can enter the building to walk around the Lion Loop to capture images from different angles, including from below.
Sarah Anderson, social media manager at the zoo, has another suggestion: “It’s hard to photograph through glass so I prefer visiting Regenstein African Journey because there are different habitats that separate animals and guests in various ways.” You can use your phone camera to focus on the mesh in the shared habitat of the crested guineafowl and klipspringer.
3. Pick your time wisely, and don’t wait to have perfect weather.
You and your family might enjoy a visit to the zoo more when it is warm and sunny, but you will also be competing with other guests who are trying to take similar photos.
Kutilek suggests that you come on less pleasant days. “It might be rainy or cold out, but most animals thrive outside in those conditions–especially snow leopards and harbour seals. “You could see the rhinos wallowing or the leopards leaping.”
Get to the zoo as early as possible or as late as you possibly can. You’ll see most of the animals at this time. Many species prefer to sleep in the afternoons. As you get to understand the animals better, you will learn when they are most active. Polar bears, for example, love the early mornings.”
He says that the animals are more active when keepers administer enrichment.
4. Be patient.
If you have some extra time, stay around for a while and watch what happens. Kutilek says it’s an excellent way to observe behaviour while also getting a good shot.
Spend some time framing the picture! You may be able to get a more natural look with the greenery behind you or zoom in on the eyes of the animal. You may be able to capture an unusual expression or individuals interacting if you spend more time in a habitat.
You can also learn more about animal behaviour and patterns by watching them. This will help you plan and take more creative photos instead of just reacting. This way, you are not only taking pictures, but you can use the knowledge you have gained to be ready for when the conditions are right.
5. Be careful with your lighting. Avoid using a flash.
It is best to photograph animals in the zoo when the sun is rising or setting or on a cloudy or overcast day. “Diffused lighting is more flattering to the eye than direct sunlight,” says Raju.
Flash photography is harmful to animals, and it’s not allowed in many zoos. Flash photography is not necessarily better. They tend to remove shadows and highlight reflections, making your photo look flat.
6. Use a telephoto or long lens with your DSLR.
Defocus the mesh with a long lens and a large aperture. The wires will be less visible or removed entirely. “Wide-angle lenses will show the entire mesh, but with a long lens you can focus on the animal instead.” Raju says.
7. Use a polarizing filter on your high-tech devices.
Raju advises: “If you are dealing with reflections in glass, attaching a polarizer will minimize distracting glare.” Polarizers also make images sharper by reducing background haze and capturing distant backgrounds.
8. Even in winter, don’t forget to water your plants!
The zoo has beautiful gardens that are colourful and vibrant in spring, summer and even fall. Lincoln Park Zoo, an arboretum accredited with 850 plant and tree species, including a hardy hibiscus display that is nationally certified in the late summer, has 850 different plants and trees. Winter’s rich textures and muted colours are equally beautiful, and they can add a lot of complexity to your photographs.
9. Zoo rules to follow!
A word of caution: When you’re trying to capture the perfect shot at the zoo, make sure that you stay on the public path and adhere to the photography guidelines. Pay attention to the signs, and don’t go into areas that are not allowed. This is for both animal and guest safety. Thank you for making Lincoln Park Zoo an enjoyable and positive place!
10. Enjoy yourself.
You’re sure to take some great pictures while you’re at the zoo. Kutilek says, “As employees at the zoo, we get to work with some incredible animals from cows, hissing cockroaches, and more.”
They’re all very photogenic. Enjoy capturing them on film. Do not hesitate to take many pictures! You’ll find it in one of them.
