Animal photography practice at the zoo (2025)

We need to have live targets in front of our lenses to become better wildlife photographers. You need to practice as much as you can. Zoos have animals and the opportunity to work on non-cooperative animals.

Zoo

Why head to the zoo? You’ll find lots of different targets each with its own challenge to capture a decent image. Most zoos have a yearly member rate that allows unlimited entry for the year that is about the same cost as paying for two visits. Having a membership also encourages you to go more often. More time behind the camera means getting more comfortable with your gear and camera settings.

Behavior

For me, behavior is key to a solid image. Sometimes it is just a slight change in gesture that makes all the difference. A turn of the head, a tilted angle or a set of wings caught in flapping. All lead to a stronger image. What’s the key? Patience. I recommend spending time with any animal which you are interested. If you just fly by each exhibit, you will get less interesting images and not learn to watch for visual behavior cues. Being able to see a change in facial expression or wing position and capture it helps prepare you for your next excursion into the wild.

Get up and go

Ultimately the more time you spend working your camera and studying animal behavior the more images you want to keep. Zoos can help keep you sharp. Get out there!

Yours in Creative Photography,

Bob

• Posted on April 7, 2025