Going to the zoo

[donkeymusic]

Hello

I am off to Chester Zoo next week and wanted to make sure i got some good pics anyone any suggestions?

what i am aware is that i want to use a shallow depth of field where possible with the animals. and i read that " try some long lens shots, with a wide aperture to blur the background". if i was to take my 70-255mm lens, then what i have found in the past is that the get a true blurred background is that i have to zoom further in on the subject. is that correct?

thanks

 

[cosmix3]

It will help, also when shooting through the mesh/glass if you have a lens hood get this touching the mesh/glass as it will not be able to focus on it, this will remove signs of the mesh and prevent glare from the glass. Also look for the shot with no sign of the enclosure.

 

[mick123]

It will help, also when shooting through the mesh/glass if you have a lens hood get this touching the mesh/glass as it will not be able to focus on it, this will remove signs of the mesh and prevent glare from the glass. Also look for the shot with no sign of the enclosure.

I can vouch for that it works a treat

 

[donkeymusic]

but i presume that i have to zoom in closer to an animal so i aint gonna be getting a full animal with a blurred background it would possible be more head shots?

 

[cosmix3]

but i presume that i have to zoom in closer to an animal so i aint gonna be getting a full animal with a blurred background it would possible be more head shots?

Is possible to get the whole animal in depends on the size of the animal and its enclosure, it may be that you don't have to blur the background to much if you can compose it so there is no enclosure in it, has worked for me in the past with animals as big as tigers and lions.

 

[Daysleeper40]

Is possible to get the whole animal in depends on the size of the animal and its enclosure, it may be that you don't have to blur the background to much if you can compose it so there is no enclosure in it, has worked for me in the past with animals as big as tigers and lions.

Thats what I was going to say... what might help is if you have a search of the forums for zoo shots to see the kind of thing people aim for. There are lots of shots on here from Chester / Marwell / Whipsnade etc that will give you an idea.