APN Guide: What it takes to be a Zoo Photographer

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There are differenent places one can come across wild animals. The first being, of course, the wild. The second, zoos.
Though zoos are a controversial subject to some, I will not get into this discussion on their  importance when it comes down to education on wild animals and conservation efforts.
This APN Guide will focus on the opportunities zoos have  for photographers.

What does it take to be a Zoo Photographer?


Back in June, I had the privilege to interview eight awesome zoo photographers from DA's outstanding zoo photography community. Having picked their brains before, I would like to offer some insight and basic necessities based on their and my own experiences on what it takes to be a Zoo Photographer.

Get your hands on a decent camera.


You don't actually need a thousand-dollar worth camera. Of course, if you have the money, go for it. Most importantly though is to know your camera. A decent camera will allow you to choose your own settings, zoom in without losing focus and have good light sensitivity. But if you don't know how to work your camera, it doesn't matter how (in)expensive it was because it will be hard enough to get it do what you want it to do.

Aaalmost There by Nikki-vdp
Endangered baby by AllerleiThe white hunter by Svenimal

Love animals.


If you don't feel any affinity for your subject, it can be hard to portray them in a positive light. Animals come in all kinds of shapes, forms and sizes, and each individual with their own character. You need to want to spend time with them, watch their behavior and routines to get to know them as animals, and each of their personalities. Don't be afraid to "Ooh" and "Aah" - it's okay if a certain scene tugs at your heart strings or makes you smile. Just make sure to keep your camera steady and ready to snap the perfect photo and memorize that moment.

Deux Freres by Arkus83Sumatran Tiger 0027 by robbobert
Watching you by MonsterBrand

They are wild animals.


This seems easy enough, but a lot of people who visit zoos expect to be entertained. Though these animals haven't known life in the wild, many zoos try to keep their living conditions as natural as possible. This means little to no contact with humans. Of course, they see them plenty enough - this doesn't mean they're actually affected by human presence. We're simply there - sort of the way people treat city pigeons: we pay them no attention unless we want to or they do something unexpected.
A wild animal, in a zoo or in the wild, won't pose for you. You can't force it in a desired position like you might with a pet. Zoo photography is a wait and see practice - you might see lots of special moments, but there's a big chance you won't see half the animals you set out to see that day and if you do, most of them might be sleeping the day away. They're just living their lives, and it's up to us to try and be there to capture the special moments. 

Big daddy by woxys
Elephants: Helping Trunk by TVD-PhotographyKoala Baby by Shadow-and-Flame-86

Come prepared.


Whether you have a subscription or a day pass, it is not unusual to spend the day at the zoo. This means you need to be ready for all conditions and situations. If you have different cameras, multiple lenses or a tripod - take them with you. Of course, Zoo Photographers come across more people than say, bird watchers, but walking around burdened with multiple bags and a tripod will not be the only time you'll be the recipient of weird looks.
But your equipment isn't the only bit of preparation you need to bear in mind; spending the day at the zoo means either enough money to keep yourself topped with fluids and food, or bringing them with you, putting your excellent packing skills to the test once more.
Aside from food and drinks, you will want to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You'll be walking, crouching, slanting and standing - better not to put on saggy jeans or ones that ride low - no nead to flash everyone. Same goes for low-cut shirts and short skirts for women. This gives a whole new meaning to dressing smart ;)
Keep the time of the year in mind when you visit a zoo - weather can wreak havoc on your plans. If you have hay fever, you might want to take your pills before going to the zoo during Spring or Summer - best not to scare the animals away with all your sneezing. Of course, watery eyes might also mess with your eyesight, and thus the photos you take. During Fall, crinkly fallen leaves can spook animals. Winter  can make a nice backdrop for photos, but not all animals are too fond of stepping foot into snow and might not show themselves at all. This same problem may arise in Summer, when it's too hot for animals to do much that's photo-worthy. And of course, there's the rain. Always take an umbrella with you - you can lay it aside when you need to, without all the hassle of that squaky rain coat. But don't forget to keep your camera dry.

Spirit of the forest by OrangeRoom
008- Sea lion mother and baby by SilkenWinds

Fences, windows and other visitors may seem like the enemy.


Fences are tricky to work with; there are lots of different kinds, one more natural or industrial than the other. It depends on your camera how close you should get to said fence - can you shoot through it from a distance, or do you need to press it against the wires? This is really a try and find out situation, but some cameras will blur the wires if you shoot through it from a distance - this might result in an all too visible blur, or a nice fading effect.
Windows can create a fun bokeh working with the light in the reflection, but this very reflection can nix a lot of your photos. This is where your clothes can come in - dark clothes and position yourself just right in front of the glass can nip a lot of reflection in the bud. Pressing your hands to the glass in and of itself won't always do you much good - especially if you have a camera in a color that isn't black. Wearing dark gloves while pressing your hands, around the camera, the the glass just so, will go a long way as well. Then, it's all up to angling your shot.
Be aware that the weather has a big influence on windows. When it has rained or starts raining, raindrops will cling to outdoor enclosures with unsheltered windows. Often, they use double glass, which means wiping off the droplets on your side won't help one bit, because they're still on the animal's side. When it's a warm day, sweaty hands can cloud any window - both indoors and outdoors. However, indoors enclosures have another disadvantage, with the humidity both from the side of the glass where you're standing, but also occassionally from the side of the animal can fog up the windows.
It's a zoo, so you have to bear in mind that in all likeliness, you will not be alone. Raucous teens, chattering adults, running children can get on your nerves and ruin a shot you've been waiting on for the past hour. Parents pushing their children next to or in front of you are a common occurrence - then again, with so many hobby photographers, I've come across a few surprising parents who kept their children away the photographer at work because they understood their plight. Being jostled about at a popular enclosure and losing your carefully chosen position, people standing in front of your tripod because they don't realize you're shooting from that distance, are things you need to get used to.

Weightless 6940 by Sooper-Deviant
Tiger III by The-Other-Half-Of-MeWhat's puzzling you is the nature of my game by NB-Photo

Know the challenges of indoors and outdoors enclosures.


When you're photographing an animal in an outdoors enclosure, you're not just dealing with the weather, but more importantly, the challenges of natural light. Shielding your eyes can take a backseat as you're focused on getting your light sensitivity just right for the photo composition you're aiming for.
Indoors enclosures are completely different - you're dealing with artificial lighting. Though the sun might disappear behind clouds, when a lightbulb is broken, you can't simply wait for it to turn back on. You need to work with the conditions offered - and often, they're even worse than outdoors. More often than not, indoors enclosures are completely made of glass for the viewer, meaning you're dealing with reflection, smudged finger and paw prints highlighted by the light from where you're standing as well as that of the animal. Many a zoo has a nocturnal area, housing different animals who are active during the night, indoors. Most likely, the corner where you're standing, or the entire place, will be dark as well. This means you're shooting under completely different circumstances - and animals can hide out  in plain sight, without problem. Know how to change your settings to photograph in the dark without using flash. Nocturnal animals have sensitive eyes and ears, and you don't want to inadvertently harm or spook them.

Backlit Leopard by darkSoul4Life
Amur leopard cubs by Fridooh

Composition is key.


A lot of photos taken at zoos are snapshots - look, click and go - and don't show any thought or care for the animal. Shooting in the moment can result in cut off ears, legs or whiskers, but often one can see when a photographer has taken the time to not just look at the animal, but to watch them. It's important to study their routine, and their enclosure itself. That way, you can get a good look at what position, and where, you need to take to get that one shot you're looking for, to maybe get out that obvious zoo backgrond. A nice composition can go a long way in showing the animal in the best possible way.

We are still the same by Lion-Redmich
Tala by Tiefenschaerfe

Respect the boundaries.


An animal will let you know when you come too close, or do something they don't particularly like. Respect their boundaries, and be patient. If you keep a low profile, they might just do something unexpected.
But the animals' boundaries aren't the only ones that matter - by visiting a zoo, you're basically visiting somebody's home. That of the animals, and their keepers. Zoos have rules - respect them, they're there for a reason. Don't cross boundaries because you think getting closer will get you a better look. Don't tap the glass when it clearly says not to. Don't try to pet animals, even if they're close enough to touch - unless it's a pool or petting zoo where it's allowed. No matter how well you think you know those animals, you don't know how they'll react when you're too close for comfort. They see a lot of people a day, and there's no telling if they remember you. An animal getting close to you might make for an amazing shot, but be wise enough to take a step back when you're uncomfortable.

Grumpy cat! by Seb-Photos
Dominate Male by PictureByPali

Don't give up.


Not everyone you come across will understand your hobby of zoo photography. Some might even suggest you try your hand at actual wildlife photography if you love animals this much. Sharing your art online is different than sharing it with friends and family. The latter will either respond praising you, or not at all - either way, it won't tell you much about what they really think. The online community however, is anonymous - and therefore, many people feel a lot more confident in telling others how they really feel.
Of course it's nice to hear that other people like your photos. Their support will keep you going, because you're clearly not the only one enjoying your photos. But even when you don't see those favorites, likes or comments popping in, it's important not to give up. As long as you like taking those photos, visiting zoos, there's no reason to give up. Love what you do, and don't be afraid to show it.


African Lion by Misty-DawnOtherworldly by Mouselemur

If you're interested in reading the interview with the aforementioned eight zoo photographers - OrangeRoom, DeeOtter, MonsterBrand, woxys, robbobert, Arkus83, Svenimal and Nikki-vdp - follow this link: Zoo Photography.

Be sure to keep an eye out on AnimalsPlantsNature for more Wild Animals themed journals :la:

Journal skin by UszatyArbuz
Photo by The-Panic
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Tsisqua-Ugidali's avatar
Great article, I agree with everything you have said.  Just be patient, many of my photo's are deleted due to these exact problems.  However, being patient and persistent will yield results.  Love what you do, and experiential photography is a good thing.  It isn't for everyone, but for those that do, enjoy it.