We are back with another Flarecorp Media adventure. We’re going to explore the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo today to learn how you can take wildlife photos that appear to be taken in the field. These tips are great for anyone, whether you’re an experienced photographer or just getting started.
Why the Zoo
It can be difficult to find wild animals, especially in some parts of the United States, like Nebraska, which is home to deer and bird species. If you don’t have access to larger animals, practising your skills at the zoo is a great option.
Tips to Capture Wild-Looking Pictures:
1. Visit on a Cloudy Day
- Cloudy days are ideal for taking photos because they provide good lighting without shadows.
You don’t need to worry about shadows or harsh light on an overcast day. This photo was taken in a place where the foliage would normally cause a mottled light due to the shadows cast by the leaves.
2. Visit on a cool day:
- The animals are more active in cooler weather, which gives you more chances to take dynamic photos.
- The cooler weather is good for both animals and humans.
Most mammals, especially big cats, spend their days snoozing or trying to keep cool. Visit on a cooler, clearer day to increase your chances of seeing them in the wild.
3. Take a closer look at the animals:
The best advice I can give you is to listen to me! )
- This will help you to get a more natural and engaging photo. Your photos will look more natural and engaging if you use this perspective.
- You can find better angles by walking around the exhibition.
The viewer is in an observer’s mindset when looking down at this rhino. They are simply looking at the animal from a different perspective.
Compare this with the image below, where the camera is at your eye level. In this image, the viewer is made to feel as if they were facing down this huge, threatening creature in person.
4. Check out the Backgrounds
The second best advice I can give you! )
- Check what is behind your subject. For a more natural look, avoid fences, enclosures and other artificial objects.
- Find the best angle to isolate the animal and distracting background.
The giraffe in the picture on the left is more natural, with a cleaner background. It’s not as busy and cluttered as the giraffe in the photo on the right. I spent most of my time photographing one on the left. Below is the result.
5. Photo Animals Far from Fences
- Capture the animals far away from the enclosure fences. Blurring the background and creating more separation creates a more natural look.
The animals should be photographed far away from the fences. The blurriness of the images can be easily removed in post-processing. The giraffe was surrounded by two fence posts and an electric wire. The depth of field blur hides the wire, and the fence posts can be easily removed using Photoshop.
6. Find Out When Animals Are Most Active:
- Animals are different at different times. To find out the best time to photograph them, you can ask zookeepers for advice or simply observe the animals themselves.
This was taken during the cheetah’s most active period when it was pacing and stretching around its enclosure.
7. Photograph non-Animals
- Zoos are often home to beautiful plants, structures, and landscapes. Do not miss these chances to diversify your investment portfolio.
In addition to animals, many zoos also have stunning plants. Take a look!
8. Choose the Best Subject:
- Choose animals that don’t have visible tags or artificial items around them. Your photos will look more natural.
Avoid animals with injuries or tags, as Zoos often take in animals that were previously owned. The Sable Antelope on the left does not have an ear tag, so they are a better option.
9. Use long focal lengths to see through fences
- Focus on the animals and blur the fences with a long focal distance. This technique will make fences virtually invisible in your photos.
- It is important to have a good range of focal distances. A 100-400mm focal length is ideal for distant animals, while a 24-60mm lens is perfect for close subjects.
- Wide-aperture lenses (f/2.8 and lower) combined with fast lenses provide better separation between the subject and the background.
This was shot with a 400mm zoom lens. I was able to focus on the tiger through the fence.
10. Dress like a Zookeeper
- Dress in colours that are similar to those of the zookeepers. If you look familiar, animals will approach you more.
11. Shoot at an Angle to Reduce Glare:
- Avoid glares when shooting through glass by taking the shot at an angle. Also, make sure the subject is away from the glass.
The angle of the glass between me and the gorilla was about 45 degrees, which reduced Glare and kept my reflection from the picture.
Conclusion
You can treat your zoo photo session just like you would a wildlife session. Please take into account the weather, animal behaviour, and composition when creating stunning images that do not look like they were captured at a zoo. Please support my Patreon channel or join YouTube to get exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
