I would love to hop on a plane and go to Russia's Amur forest or the mountains of Pakistan or Bhutan but even I think that's a bit much. But to see 2 of the most reclusive cats in the world that is what you have to do....or you could drive 15 minutes to a local zoo. I typically do not like zoo pix (as I've said) but I tried to come up with some shots that do not "scream" zoo other than the unique animals photographed. I also did not shoot a single one of these through glass...so how do you get images like this without being eaten? Most of the enclosures have chicken wire/mesh fences with fairly wide spaces. The trick...and I know I'm not giving away info that almost everyone here doesn't already know, is to shoot wide open to really limit the dof and make sure the animal is far enough back from the fence so that the mesh is rendered invisible. Of course, that means that not all the animal will be in focus so concentrating on the eye is really important. Here are a few examples...I know not everyone will be able to shoot some of the stuff I have in Africa and the like, but that doesn't mean you can't find a way to get some neat images of some very cool animals.
Eric
A terrific set, Eric.
I agree about the difficulty in shooting without any "give-away zoo" clues.
Same kind of problem I have with some western US ghost towns- it sort of messes it up if in the lower corner of a window there's a sticker that says: "We accept VISA and MasterCard."
Charlie
I really like the 4th and 5th images. Wild snow leopards are so elusive... it would be a rare treat just to see one working the mountains of Central Asia let alone photograph one. The isolation in your two images really accentuate the beauty and power in the cat.
Great job on these, Eric. None of these "screams" zoo Well, except the last one may be
I really like the first one best
The cut lips doesn't do for me much in the second shot. Here is a suggestion. Crop the shot higher above the nose: just the eyes. Brighten them a bit and see how it looks.
Shooting at the zoo can be fun and challenging at the same time. You did good!
Socrate
Mar 04, 2013 at 11:58 AM
David Leask Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
I can't thank you all enough for taking the time to comment on zoo pix. While there is obviously something missing taking shots of captive animals it can still be fun and challenging. As much as I like to shoot in the wild this was a very cool day and at only 5 miles from my house it couldn't be more convenient.
Eric
great work eric, these are up to your usual high standards. i like the first and last: one for the headshot and one for the body shot. such amazing beasts....
I like them all but 4 and 5 stand out for me ~ Ron
Well, except the last one may be