Behind The Winter Glass
I took this on a winter day at the Pittsburgh Zoo!
I took this on a winter day at the Pittsburgh Zoo!
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Apr, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This shot of a beautiful leopard was captured at the Pittsburgh zoo..Time
Kneeling down and resting my elbow on my knee as a make-shift tripod, i started shooting as the leopard walked slowly past my camera. This was taken at exactly 12:51 pm on January 22 2012. This was the first time i have ever photographed an animal at the zoo and was successful.Lighting
I had minimal sources of light considering i was under a roofed area that was outside, but i played off of what i was given. Natural lighting was all that i had, so i used many different angles to make the best of it. The light bounced off of the snow on the ground lighting up the fur and the area behind the animal. Since the leopard was facing me and the sun was behind it, the face of this feline was contrasted more and not as washed out as the background was. I love the fade of bright to dark in this picture, it seemed as if i was in the right place at the right time!Equipment
I used my Canon EOS Rebel T3 / 18-55mm lens to get this awesome shot. I had no other equipment, just my eyes, perspective, and camera to capture the moment.Inspiration
I was inspired to capture this moment because this beautiful creature was pacing back and forth behind the cold winter glass at the zoo. People were getting so close, just to catch a glimpse of something wild and move on. I wanted people to look a bit closer and feel something, rather than just looking at the animal and passing by with no other thoughts about it. Maybe they'll see this photo and look into those big eyes of the leopard, and wonder whats on its mind. Or maybe realize that this animal is stressed out by not being in its natural habitat, and being stared at by humans all day. There's a lot to think about, and this photo definitely brings out some emotion in me when i see it.Editing
I'm not too advanced in this area to be honest. I also don't think you need to use these methods all of the time to improve a photo! I just used the resources i had at the time, which was i-photo. I just made more of a contrast to bring out the black in the fur, and brought down some of the brightness so that the background wasn't too washed out by the light. Other than that, i thought if i saturated it too much the fur would be way too colorful and unrealistic.In my camera bag
I always carry lens wipes, those are a must in my opinion. I bring as many lenses as i can carry, but usually just my 18-55mm and 75-300mm. Of course my Canon Rebel XS camera body. My battery charger, and camera manual. I keep it simple especially because i have to carry my bag with me when i shoot. I usually only shoot when i see something that catches my eye as i'm walking past.Feedback
To capture something similar to this, make sure there is natural light but not too much. The roof that was provided at the zoo made the lighting perfect because it softened the sun that was beating down on my subject. Also, maybe bring a tripod because i found it pretty difficult to get the best shot because i was using my knee as one. Take many photos during a session like this because the subject is alive, and behind glass. Since the leopard was moving so much i had to pick the best spot at the window and wait until it walked by me. Use a wide angle lens (i used my 18-55mm), i feel this will give you the best results when shooting something so close. Finally, have patience when shooting something that is alive, moving, and beyond your control.
