Outdoor Photography How To

Most photographers are intrigued by the prospect of capturing exotic animals in their natural environment, but many of us lack the time or means to book a safari abroad. The next best thing is a trip to the local zoo where you can make some great shots, work on your skills, and get prepared for shooting in the field.

This behind-the-scenes tutorial with one of our favorite British bird photographers takes you on an instructional tour of the famed Chester Zoo that houses almost 60 African species and is often referred to as the UK's best zoo. Instructor Darrel Oakden refers to himself as an amateur because he doesn't make a living with a camera, but this portfolio is full of pro-quality images.

In barely 10 minutes Oakden illustrates how zoos offer numerous opportunities to make compelling images of a wide-range of species that you may never see in the wild, and he provides several effective techniques for creating a more natural look while minimizing the fact that your subjects are in captivity.

Thoughtful composition plays a big part in this assignment, and one powerful technique is to get in tight with a telephoto lens to isolate a majestic subject. You can also introduce a feeling of realism by framing wide shots in a way that eliminates fences and other man-made obstacles from the frame.

And just like when shooting in the field, the more time you spend observing a subject and familiarize yourself with it's habits, the better your results will be. So slow your roll, sit down on a bench, watch the social interaction among subjects, get familiar with how they move about, and formulate a strategy. Only then is it time to pick up the camera and get to work.

One key goal is to make background as unobtrusive as possible, especially if there's a visible enclosure behind your subject. One way to do this is by combining a long focal length with a wide aperture to throw the background out of focus and draw attention to the hero of the shot.

At the point there's still much more to learn and Oakden walks you through other important considerations like dealing with the light and conveying the mood or power of a subject. He also offers an important warning about shooting in temperature-controlled indoor exhibits that may cause your lens to fog up when going back outdoors on warm days.

Oakden's instructional YouTube channel offers a wealth of information for anyone interested in nature and wildlife photography, so be sure to take a look.

And even if travel photography isn't your thing, don't miss the comprehensive beginners guide we featured recently that covers everything necessary for shoot compelling photographs—not snapshots—during your summer excursions.