Pictures at a local zoo

 This weekend I visited a local zoo and here are some of the pictures I took there.

Florida Mountain Lion. This picture was taking through a glass, in post edition haze was eliminated and contrast increased.

Florida Fox Squirrel, Juvenile. This is an example of shooting through a chain-link fence. When you position the camera close enough to the fence, it becomes almost invisible in the image, allowing you to focus on the subject beyond.

Florida Coyote. Another example of shooting through a chain fence. The coyote eyes were edited to make them the central point of the picture.

Taking photos at a zoo can be a rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to practice wildlife photography in a controlled environment. 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 for this pictures my R6 with EF100-400L Mk2). For the wide angle shots I used an 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.

    Filters: A polarizing filter can help reduce reflections on glass.

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.