How to Take Great Zoo Photographs

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Go early in the morning.

   This is the time when the animals are the most active and when there are fewer people there to have to photograph around.
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   Step 2: Check out the zoo activities schedule.

   Some good pictures are of feeding time or performance times.
   
   Seal feeding and performances make great pics.
   
   When watching these, be sure that you are not in the front row.
   
   You, and your camera, are very likely to get wet.
   
   Watching the monkeys get fed can be a lot of fun and bring back good memories of your zoo trip. , Make sure you have everything that you will need, such as:
   Extra batteries Long and short lenses Filters if you use them Film, if it is a film camera.
   
   Extra memory cards, if it isn't.
   
   Lens hood, to help prevent glare in your photos A tripod, or monopod, if allowed. , Everyone is there to enjoy themselves and see the wildlife.
   
   Don't think your camera grants you privileges. , Don't take up a lot of space while taking your photos. , Those barriers are there for a reason. ,, This will help reduce the glare. , Whether or not you have an on board flash or a flash unit, find a way to diffuse the flash.
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   Step 3: Prepare your camera bag ahead of time.

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   Step 4: Be polite to others.

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   Step 5: If you are using a tripod

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   Step 6: don't set it up in the middle of the sidewalk.

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   Step 7: Do not every cross barriers or climb fences for that shot you 'just gotta have'.

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   Step 8: Use shallow depth of field

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   Step 9: when possible

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    Step 10: to isolate the animals you are photographing from the background.

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    Step 11: Use your lens hood when photographing through glass.

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    Step 12: Use a diffuser.

Detailed Guide

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