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.
Get in close and use a zoom to blur out the background.
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:
Go for the close-up. Get in close and use a zoom lens or your 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.
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.
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 colors. 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.
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:
Low-light conditions: use natural light and longer exposure times to compensate, rather than your flash.
Flash: If you do use the flash, shoot glass enclosures from an angle to avoid unwanted bright spots.
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:
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.
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.
Printable version
