How to Capture Safari-Like Wildlife Photos at the Zoo

How to Take Safari-Like Natural Wildlife Photos at the Zoo

By Matty Graham | Published 29 April 2023

Do you dream of capturing stunning wildlife photos like those you see on Instagram from far-flung destinations? It's time to think outside the box and consider the local zoo as your next photography destination. With a little creativity and the right techniques, you can take safari-like photos of natural wildlife without breaking the bank or needing a passport.

In this article, I'll share my expert tips on how to maximize your chances of capturing incredible wildlife images at the zoo. From equipment choices to composition techniques, I'll cover everything you need to know to take your wildlife photography to the next level.

Pack Long and Light

When it comes to wildlife photography, focal length is key. The closer you can get to your subject, the better. This holds true whether you're on a safari or at the zoo. Most zoo enclosures have a fair distance between the viewing area and the animals, so it's essential to have a lens with a long focal length.

Personally, I prefer using the OM System OM-1 camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor. This combination offers a 2x crop factor, effectively doubling the focal length of my lens. For example, a 40-150mm lens becomes an 80-300mm optic. Adding a 1.4x extender further increases the focal length to 420mm, all while keeping the camera and lens lightweight and portable.

Compared to a full-frame camera, which would require a heavy telephoto lens, the OM System provides a more convenient and budget-friendly option. So, make sure to pack long and light for your zoo photography adventure.

Embrace Reflections

One common challenge when photographing animals at the zoo is dealing with reflections from viewing windows. These reflections can range from slight nuisances to completely obscuring the subject. However, instead of fighting against the reflections, why not embrace them and make them work for you?

Incorporating reflections creatively in your composition can add a unique touch to your photos. For example, in my image of a Scottish Wildcat, I used the reflections on the glass to both disguise the background and give the image a fine-art feel. This technique works best in flatter light conditions, as direct sunlight can cause overexposure.

Zoom in on Details

Many professional wildlife photographers opt for longer focal lengths and focus on capturing details rather than wide-angle shots. By zooming in on specific features or patterns, you can tell a compelling story about the subject.

Take the zebra, for instance. Instead of capturing the entire animal, a close-up shot of its beautiful markings can easily identify the species. Similarly, in the image below, I zoomed in on the striking stripes of a Sumatran Tiger to fill the frame. By eliminating distracting backgrounds and focusing on details, the viewer gets a sense of being in the animal's natural environment.

Consider Your Background

Zoos strive to create natural-looking environments for their residents, but this doesn't always translate well into photographs. Limited viewing positions can make it challenging to find a clean background for your shots. However, by exploring alternative compositions and backgrounds, you can significantly enhance the quality of your photos.

Let's compare two images of meerkats. The first image shows a lazy framing attempt with a distracting background, while the second image was captured by moving around to find a better composition with a more considered background. The inclusion of grass as a natural backdrop elevates the photo and adds a professional touch to the frame.

Add Depth

Adding depth to your wildlife photos can transform a good shot into a great one. Fortunately, achieving this effect is easier than you might think. Start by shooting in Aperture Priority mode and selecting the largest aperture (lowest f-number) your lens allows.

Next, ensure that the point of focus is on the subject's eye. Finally, include some interesting foreground elements, such as colorful bushes or foliage, to create depth. The shallow depth of field will blur both the foreground and background while keeping the subject sharp, giving your photo a three-dimensional feel.

Try Black and White

There may be instances at the zoo where the odds are stacked against you, such as crowded conditions or unattractive backgrounds. In these situations, shooting in black and white can be a great option. You can either use your camera's black and white picture style or shoot in color and convert to black and white during post-processing.

By removing color distractions, black and white photography allows the viewer to focus on the subject and the textures and patterns within the image. It can create a timeless and artistic feel, even in a zoo setting.

Shoot in RAW to Make Colors Pop

If you want to draw attention away from less appealing backgrounds, you can use color as a distraction. Making color a prominent element in your composition adds energy to your photos. Shooting in RAW format allows you to capture the maximum amount of tonal data, providing more flexibility in post-processing.

With software like Adobe Lightroom, you can increase the saturation and vibrance values to make the colors in your images pop. This technique helps your subjects stand out and adds visual interest. Zoos often house animals with vibrant colors, so take advantage of this opportunity to create eye-catching photos.

Get Eye Contact

To make your wildlife photos more engaging and professional, try to establish eye contact with the animals you're photographing. Eye contact helps create a connection between the viewer and the subject, resulting in more captivating images.

While it may not be as easy as photographing your pets, patience is key. Timing is crucial when capturing the perfect moment of eye contact. Switching to burst mode can increase your chances of getting that ideal shot where the subject is looking directly at you. Be prepared to take multiple frames to ensure you capture the perfect moment.

Final Thoughts

By understanding your camera and lens capabilities, as well as the limitations and opportunities presented by the zoo environment, you can elevate the standard of your wildlife photos. Remember, while these may not be traditional wildlife photos, zoo photography doesn't have to be static or boring.

With the tips and techniques shared in this article, you'll be able to capture dynamic and engaging photos that you'll be proud to showcase. So, grab your camera, head to the local zoo, and embark on your safari-like photography adventure!