Although we got rained out on Saturday, we didn't let that stop us and those that could make it on Sunday (plan B) came out for a great time. This year we walked the Detroit Zoo for a change of scenery. In 2008 and 2009 we did Downtown Detroit and since not a lot has changed in 2 years, I wanted to try a different locale. The Zoo is one of those places that you can go every day and get something different because not only do you have the change in seasons, but you also have the "animal activity" factor. Depending on when you go and the mood of the animals you'll either catch some great shots of them interacting with each other or sleeping 🙂 It will be great to see what everyone submits, here are a few of mine for kicks:
What did I learn this year?
Once again I was reminded to not bring more gear than I want to carry for two hours 🙂 I did better than last time, but next time I'll be bringing my camera backpack instead for sure! My left shoulder is very angry with me right now 🙂
In my community, the local zoo prohibits “professional” photographers. I had been told this before I went down and did a personal photowalk; sure enough, that’s what it says on the entrance sign. I was told to expect to be hassled for having a DSLR, expect to be refused admission with a tripod.
I didn’t try a tripod, but no one said a word about my DSLR and I got some good shots, had a good time. I wonder what they’d say about 50 Kelby Photowalkers?
So I guess everyone in your group was ok with paying an entrance fee?
No problems.
Hey, Terry – Love your photos! How did you deal with shooting through cages?
Lynn, thanks!
Whenever I shoot in a Zoo, my goal is to never show the fences. I want to create the illusion that the animals are in the wild as best I can. It usually means careful composition or cropping in post.
Thanks, Terry! I need to revisit our zoo with “new eyes” and see how many animals I can photograph without shooting through a wire screen.
Did someone really lug around a 400 VR???? jeez
If you are very close to the fence with your lens and your point of focus is farther away(in feet) the fence will often seem to disappear if you shoot at a wide aperature. FYI. Paul
Hi Terry,
I was wondering what are we going to do with the photos from our
Zoo photo walk.
Karl, the deadline has past (8/31) to submit them for the contest. However, there is a flickr group setup for sharing: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1514156@N22/
Terry, I am sorry to missed the deadline, I browsed the MacGroup website daily but did not find any reverence for the walk submission side not even a hint where to look for the submissions.
Maybe I will get it right next year.
Sorry Karl, this was Scott Kelby’s worldwide photowalk and not a MacGroup event. Therefore the information was posted on the official site: http://worldwidephotowalk.com
damn… you have big lenses… yes! it was very awsome the photowalk, im a student from romania, i have a canon with kit lenses but i have good eyes and i win in brasov that photowalk and it was for my first time…
sin that i dont have a 50mm lens or some tele… but maybe i will someday…
respect for you and scott