Tips for taking the best photos in the zoo

If you want to take a nice picture at the zoo, you must of course have the space for it. You won't have that if there are crowds of people standing near the enclosures. So visit the zoo just after opening time or just before closing time. At those hours, there aren't so many people present and you have all the space you need to photograph. In addition, the light earlier or later in the day is much nicer. This gives everything in the picture a soft look.

Take the time to study the animal you want to photograph. This way, you'll get to know the behavior a little better and you can respond accordingly. If you wait longer, the chances of seeing a unique moment are also higher. Most animals sleep during the day, but sometimes they get active and then it's nice if you're ready for it. It also helps to photograph during feeding time. This often results in great pictures.

Before you take a picture of the animal, try to look at the rest of the picture as well. For example, what does your background look like? Of course, it doesn't look as good a part of the fence is visible. Maybe you can include some green in the picture. Consider the distribution in the composition. The animal doesn't always have to be in the center. For example, place your subject on a third of the image.

Of course, it's easier to take a close-up of small reptiles than lions. Do you want to take a photo of that beautiful lion up close? Use the telephoto zoom if you have it. If there's a fence around the enclosure, put your lens through it. It'll look like you are standing right next to the animal on the photo.

In a dark space, use a larger aperture to better expose the image. This also creates a small depth of field. A slower shutter speed is not always an option in the zoo, the animals move too much for that. Only do this if you're sure that the animal will sit or lie still. Are you photographing from behind glass? Turn your flash off as the light will reflect back through the glass.