Six ways to shoot… Zoo photography

1 Locations

The best zoos for photography have modern enclosures, so you don’t have to photograph through fences or glass. Drivethrough safari parks are also good, but don’t wind down windows if you’re not allowed!

2 Seasonal light

The best time of year for light is late autumn and winter, when the lower sun can create some interesting conditions. At these times, zoos are also generally less crowded, giving you more space to shoot in.

3 Activity peaks

The best times for animal activity are at the start and the end of the day. Also check when the feeding days and times are – especially with big cats, as post-feeding days are sleeping days more often than not!

4 Shoot through fences

When shooting through fences, stand parallel, get as close as you are allowed to, use the widest aperture and ensure the animal you’re photographing is at least a few metres away to minimise the impact of the diffusion.

5 Art of glass

When you’re shooting through glass, be parallel, get right up close and use your body to shade the area to avoid reflections. Avoid using flash too, as this can bounce off the glass and cause all kinds of quality issues.

6 Careful composition

Compose to avoid any distracting elements such as worn-out platforms, which are common in big cat enclosures. Walk around the whole enclosure first to find the sweet spots for photography.