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Photoshoot at a Zoo
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Dec 31, 2018 10:41:27   #
larryepage Loc: North Texas area
 
tommy2 wrote:
A plan is coming together here Mingus! Drove past the zoo over the weekend and saw there are plenty of handicap parking places within a 100' or so of the entrance. I got a small backpack for Christmas - seems that is a staple in kid's lives these days - hey the best present is one you want for yourself.
Now I will take the camera body maybe two lenses and my cane chair to the zoo. Whenever the walking gets a little tiring I'll look for a good vantage point by an animal(s) designated habitat then sit and watch for a good shot or two.
The Fort Worth zoo has several good restaurants listed on its website so even more looking forward to the photoshoot. Could most likely make a whole day with this plan. Wish the "how to" seminar was in the morning instead of from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Another good suggestion - will contact the folks sponsoring the event about equipment needed. The ad for the event said there would be lenses to try out but I'd much rather bring what I have and learn to use them in that type environment. I'll spend a little time watching what others are using though.
A plan is coming together here Mingus! Drove past... (show quote)

It will be a fun day. The zoo also has lots of benches to take a break and watch the human specimens for a few minutes. When I was last there, there were a few uneven spots in the sidewalks. Watch out for your feet.

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Dec 31, 2018 10:55:37   #
LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America
 
tommy2 wrote:
Yes it does even though my favorite brand is Canon I bet because of the fierce competition between the two the weights you listed are very similar. When moving into this retirement facility four years ago I had to severely cut the size of my equipment stash. Kept my favorite camera body and four lenses, all f2/8. However now that I'm finding that I might be able to repursue my interest in getting out to find subjects to photograph I'll most likely need to get a more light weight zoom lens. I'll research the ones you mention being good for zoo photography, thank you again.
Yes it does even though my favorite brand is Canon... (show quote)


You seem like a nice guy.

According to CANON USA 70-200 mm f4 is 1.7 lbs and 5y3 70-200 f2.8 is 3.3 lbs.

I have no firsthand knowledge of the quality of either lens, but I see them used quite often so I imagine they are pretty good.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/CompareProductsDisplayView?storeId=10051&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&compareReturnName=Telephoto%20&amp;%20Super%20Telephoto&searchTerm=&categoryId=635257&catentryId=164476;227563&returnUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fshop.usa.canon.com%2Fshop%2Fen%2Fcatalog%2Ftelephoto-and-super-telephoto-lenses%3Fcm_sp%3DCategory-_-Telephoto_SuperTelephoto_Top_Position6-_-Lenses_Flashes_Binoculars_Lenses_Flashes_Binoculars_lenses-flashes%2Ftelephoto-and-super-telephoto-lenses%26fromPage%3Dcompare

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Dec 31, 2018 11:00:25   #
LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America
 
PS - A classic nifty fifty of f1.8 or so weighs very little and fits easily in a jacket pocket for inside and nocturnal displays.

Those are a small enough display generally that a little two sneaker zoom will be sufficient.

Also, wear the most comfortable shoes you have.

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Dec 31, 2018 12:00:04   #
DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
 
You are correct. I had a brain cloud stuck in the FDA and should have stated the USDA. Thanks for correcting me. I get angry at people who purport that zoos are quasi-evil. They seem to pop up out of no where and they don't know what they are talking about. People who work in the confines of a zoo sincerely care for the animals and develop bonding that really benefits both. I'm glad you like my images. Thanks.
chase4 wrote:
David - All legitimate zoos in the US are required to have a US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) "Exhibitors License" (both non-profit and for-profit). These facilities are regulated under "The Animal Welfare Act" and are subjected to routine inspections and have various legal reporting requirements also. There are several professional trade orginizations that have their own standards and guidelines that usually go well beyond the federal regulations; a couple of the most notable examples are the American Zoo and Aquarium Assn. (AZA) and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA). Having been an inspector for both of these orginizations and others, I agree with you that any substandard, abusive or unlicensed animal facility should be reported to the USDA, not the FDA.
I think you take outstanding photos of zoo animals and thanks for sharing them here on the UHH. chase
David - All legitimate zoos in the US are required... (show quote)

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Dec 31, 2018 12:00:14   #
tdekany Loc: Oregon
 
LWW wrote:
In one sense I agree with you, but on the other hand in a well kept and clean zoo they live longer lives and free from the stress of predators along with veterinary care they would never get in the wild.


We are the number one predator.

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Dec 31, 2018 12:04:24   #
Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx
 
DavidPine wrote:
My primary camera set up is a Nikon D850 and a Nikon 300mm f/2.8. When the animals are behind wire I shoot at f/2.8, single servo, ISO under 500 and as fast a shutter speed as the exposure will allow. I do tend to shoot on the under-exposed side, cloudy white balance and always RAW. I never shoot JPGs. I process in LR Classic, Photoshop 2019 and I sometimes use plugins from On1 and Topaz Studio. My minimum acceptable zoom lens is a Nikon 70-200 f/2.8. I never use flash in a zoo setting. It would be rare for me to shoot through glass or plastic. I may visit the same animal 5 or 6 times in a visit or until I get a reasonable shot. Primates are the most difficult as they tend to turn their backs to cameras. Orangutangs especially. Shooting in a zoo is fun and I sometimes just watch the animals for pure enjoyment.
My primary camera set up is a Nikon D850 and a Nik... (show quote)


Thank you! Very useful information. Would it be possible for you to post the before and after PP shots of the lion and what you did to achieve that look?

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Dec 31, 2018 12:05:00   #
tdekany Loc: Oregon
 
santabud wrote:
You should go to the San Diego zoo and see a modern zoo. There are zoo's that are protecting wild life from going extinct. I am shocked at your ignorance.


How would you feel if I showed up at your house and took your a$$ to the San Diego zoo and offered you to the director to put you in a nice clean spot? Right between the chimps and gorillas? You would have the honor to save the human animal.


I am shocked at your ignorance.

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Dec 31, 2018 12:15:05   #
DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
 
The Fort Worth and Dallas Zoo's rent electric carts with a basket in front. I couldn't go to these zoos otherwise. Some smaller zoos like Abilene and Waco rent carts that make it easy. I also carry a cloth cart in the event they aren't available. Fort Worth and Dallas are class A as far as I'm concerned.The 'how to" seminar should have made it happen at the opening time. Some of the animals will be napping between 2 and 5. If they have a keep bribe them with snacks you might get some good images. Parking would be better early as well. You will still have fun regardless and you should learn how easy it is to shoot through wired enclosures. If they are letting you use lenses get your hands on a 300mm f/2.8 or f/4. Sometimes a monopod might help with the weight. I'm small and almost 76 but I still opt to hand hold when shooting. A 70-200 f/2.8 will work well also. They will suggest manual focus and that's okay. I shoot auto-focus on focus release single servo. I shoot wide open. It works well for me. Have fun.
tommy2 wrote:
A plan is coming together here Mingus! Drove past the zoo over the weekend and saw there are plenty of handicap parking places within a 100' or so of the entrance. I got a small backpack for Christmas - seems that is a staple in kid's lives these days - hey the best present is one you want for yourself.
Now I will take the camera body maybe two lenses and my cane chair to the zoo. Whenever the walking gets a little tiring I'll look for a good vantage point by an animal(s) designated habitat then sit and watch for a good shot or two.
The Fort Worth zoo has several good restaurants listed on its website so even more looking forward to the photoshoot. Could most likely make a whole day with this plan. Wish the "how to" seminar was in the morning instead of from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Another good suggestion - will contact the folks sponsoring the event about equipment needed. The ad for the event said there would be lenses to try out but I'd much rather bring what I have and learn to use them in that type environment. I'll spend a little time watching what others are using though.
A plan is coming together here Mingus! Drove past... (show quote)

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Dec 31, 2018 12:18:28   #
Thurber Mingus
 
tdekany wrote:
How would you feel if I showed up at your house and took your a$$ to the San Diego zoo and offered you to the director to put you in a nice clean spot? Right between the chimps and gorillas? You would have the honor to save the human animal.


I am shocked at your ignorance.


I enjoyed the rodeo images on your Flickr page, tdekany :)

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Dec 31, 2018 12:24:38   #
Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA
 
My advice is to try to take the Zoo out of the shot. Happy Shooting.

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Dec 31, 2018 13:22:55   #
EllieLady Loc: So. CA, USA
 
Thurber Mingus wrote:
I enjoyed the rodeo images on your Flickr page, tdekany :)

OMGosh - - A RODEO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Talk about animal abuse, shall we ?????

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Dec 31, 2018 13:25:44   #
tdekany Loc: Oregon
 
EllieLady wrote:
OMGosh - - A RODEO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Talk about animal abuse, shall we ?????


What they do to cows indeed it is.

Would you want to be treated the same way?

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Dec 31, 2018 13:34:26   #
EllieLady Loc: So. CA, USA
 
tdekany wrote:
What they do to cows indeed it is.

Would you want to be treated the same way?

Rodeos are certainly one of THE WORST venues when it comes to animal abuse & exploitation...

Well, not only cows, but Gymkhana, calf roping, the genital straps on bulls, "Bucking Broncos", etc etc.

It's really difficult to wrap one's head around the idea of a person complaining about zoos who is intentionally photographing rodeos !!! (...sigh...)

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Dec 31, 2018 13:39:28   #
tommy2 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas
 
So many wonderful tips showing up today on this site! I will see what lenses are available to try out and zero in on the couple suggested above. The suggestion on doing a little people watching hit home with me. That is one of my favorite pastimes. Multiple times a week I walk the couple blocks to an espresso shop at different times of the day to see all sorts of folks visiting there. The baristas knows my favorite and usually have it ready when I walk in with a "hi Tommy" greeting as we heard on Cheers each episode when Norm walked in.
Also walk by the old historic Firehouse where the guys are usually out cleaning and setting up their trucks and ambulances to meet any emergency. I stop when invited to see something new. Several months ago during one of those stops I happened to mention my birthday was coming up and I was wondering what might be interesting to do then.
One of the guys asked if I'd like to come have dinner with them - wow, jumped on that offer.
A few days ago the Deputy Chief at the station sent an e-mail saying he wanted me to just show up with a couple friends on January 12th and he'd take care of anything else. Big bar-b-q with all the trimmings dinner, tour of the firehouse and a ride around town in a firetruck - will die and go to heaven on the 12th! My daughter and SO will fly in from San Francisco to help me enjoy the evening. Her So is arguing with me about who gets to blast the siren first.
Whoo-Hoo - Will this ever be a great Photo OP or WHAT! Bet a plethora of cameras will be in hand that evening.
Anyway back to this thread - I wondered about the time frame being in the afternoon but maybe that will allow me more time to fiddle with equipment selection and know better what configuration to take with me the next visit. I've been to seminars put on by this camera shop and all have been good even though they were sometimes not exactly what I was interested in doing. One was drone photography - that would most likely get me in trouble here in the downtown area, very interesting though.

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Dec 31, 2018 13:44:07   #
tdekany Loc: Oregon
 
EllieLady wrote:
Rodeos are certainly one of THE WORST venues when it comes to animal abuse or exploitation...

Cows, calf roping, bulls, "Bucking Broncos", etc etc.

It's really difficult to wrap one's head around the idea of a person complaining about zoos who is intentionally photographing rodeos !!! (...sigh...)


I did the rodeo as a favor.

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