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Safaris start with planning |
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A little organizing in advance will make your photo safari at the zoo more fun for everyone. These ideas
will help you enjoy a great day at the zoo.
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Use the zoo's website to locate maps and schedules.
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Get your kids used to the digital camera: Practice beforehand will help everyone enjoy the day. Learn how
to get kids started with digital photography.
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Take along our printable HP Photo fun:
Zoo Safari,
and your kids will be ready to get snapping.
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Tell a story |
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Think of your family photo safari the way a photographer on assignment does: as a story. It's the story of
your family's expedition, so get pictures throughout the process. Packing the car, driving to the zoo, walking,
feeding goats in the petting zoo—even the sleepy ride home—all make for great photos that turn
your outing into a narrative.
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Blur out fences and enclosures |
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Get in close and use a zoom to blur out the background.
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Photographing zoo animals presents some specific challenges. There may be fencing or glass around animal
enclosures. And depending on what time of day you go, there may also be plenty of other people.
To minimize the presence of fences and other enclosures:
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Go for the close-up. Get in close and use a zoom lens or your HP camera's macro focus mode. This lets
you zero in on the animal and, in the process, blurs out fence wires. Learn more about
close-up photography.
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Change the angles |
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Have your kids take pictures from different angles. Photograph a giraffe from down low to show off its long
neck, or try shooting alligators in a pond from above to see the pattern they create.
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Show animal personality |
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From cheeky monkeys to inquisitive owls, animals exhibit a remarkable range of expression. Be patient and
ready to snap when the animals show their true colours. And don't forget to do the same with your kids. As
they react to the lion's echoing roar, take a picture of them, too.
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Manage different lighting conditions |
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Zoos present a wide range of lighting conditions, from the bright light of outdoor savannahs, to the
twilight hues of indoor enclosures such as penguin ponds. Here's how to take advantage of each:
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Low-light conditions: use natural light and longer exposure times to compensate, rather than your flash.
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Flash: If you do use the flash, shoot glass enclosures from an angle to avoid unwanted bright spots.
Learn more about lighting and flash.
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Include people in your photos |
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People aren't always in the way at the zoo; their reactions can be a fun part of your photo story.
Here are some ways to include them in your pictures:
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Reaction shots: Whether they're delighted by the seal's playful antics or disappointed after
dropping an ice cream cone-the whole emotional spectrum is on display.
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Petting zoos and other child-friendly areas offer a unique opportunity for your children to
interact directly with animals-and the perfect chance to get some terrific photos. So keep
snapping as the kids play.
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Store and share |
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Once you return from your zoo photo safari, you'll no doubt want to store and share all the wonderful pictures
you and your children took.
Recommended products |
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Find the right HP printer for you with the HP printer buying guide. See the full lineup of HP Photo printers.
Learn more |
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Award-winning support |
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Related links |
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