Don't mess with me
Part of my #zoosvictoria collection
Part of my #zoosvictoria collection
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Apr, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I am currently working on a new series “animals in captivity†My aim is to capture the animals adding an artistic creative process by eliminating their Zoo surrounding.Time
This Sumatran Tiger was photographed in the afternoon and close to feeding time. Before meals the tigers are a lot more active, pacing at the fence of the enclosure waiting for the keeper to arrive.Lighting
The Tiger enclosure area is not well lit and requires a fast, long lens. The area is covered with bamboo and trees to create their natural habitat. I use lightroom 5 to process my raw image; some dodge and burn to darken the background and adding some chiaroscuro light effect to create a dramatic impression making the picture more interesting.Equipment
This picture was shot with a Nikon D600 with a Nikor 70-300 f/ 4 lens, on a Manfrotto monopod.Inspiration
My Zoo project is to capture animal portrait and to present them as a classic artwork playing with lights.Editing
I made some basic adjustments to my raw image in lightroom 5 and mainly doge and burn to finish.In my camera bag
I carry a Nikon D600, a nikor 24-70mm f2.8 which I use on animals that are caged at close proximity such as small primates behind glass panels etc, a Nikor 70-200mm f2.8, I use this lens when there is bad light , and a Nikor 70-300mm. f4 which I use most of the time due to its light weight and the extra 100mm. I also carry a Polarizer filter for glass-caged animal and a monopod.Feedback
When photographing animals at the Zoo or in the wild, patience is an important aspect. Regular visits and familiarity of the surroundings is key for selecting the camera equipment. After studying the subjects over numerous visits and hours of observation, you begin to recognize the animal’s behavioral patterns. For example, in captivity, certain animals are most active before feeding time. I discovered most animals usually sleep or rest during the day. Portrait photography is a partnership between the subject and the Photographer however; photographing wild animals in a zoo is totally different. Animals don’t respond to direction, so its best not to expect great results on your first zoo visit. Observance of the big cats has taught me that they will generally yawn after a meal and especially on a hot day. So, practice patience to capture that “magic moment“ and when it happens, use a continuous shutter to seal the deal.
