Sumatran Tiger
Sep, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at Tiger Territory which is home to a breeding pair of Sumatran tigers. This was during my first visit to London Zoo since my childhood and was my first attempt at photographing at a zoo, just 3 months after beginning photography as a hobby and purchasing a DSLR.Time
It was late in the afternoon on a spring day. Jae Jae, a seven year old male Sumatran tiger was relaxing after having a bite to eat!Lighting
Whilst is was a clear day, as it was early spring the light wasn't particularity strong. Fortunately Jae Jae had decided to climb to the top of a tree-top platform, allowing me to get this shot!Equipment
This was taken on a Nikon D3200, with a 55-200mm F4-5.6 lens. No other equipment was used.Inspiration
Having a 300 pound king of the jungle stare straight down the lens into your eye is just breath taking! To be this close to a Sumatran tiger was a wonderful opportunity and I hope, by taking and sharing photos like this, I can play my part in raising awareness of the plight of this critically endangered species.Editing
This photo was taken through several inches of glass - not to mention the scratches on the surface! Countering this with the biggest aperture possible meant the image needed the contrast increased slightly.In my camera bag
I carry Nikon 18-55mm and 55-200mm lenses as well as a Sigma 70-300mm lens. As well as your standard cleaning cloths and spare batteries, I've recently invested in a Hoya circular polarising filter which can be great for reducing reflections in your photos. If I'm traveling light without a tripod or monopod, my Joby gorillapod is a must have!Feedback
Photography at zoos can be tricky with thick, often scratched glass and fencing to contend with. With glass enclosures, steady your arm by holding your lens right up against the glass, this will help to keep the glass surface out of focus too. Placing a hand above the section of glass you're trying to shoot through can also help to limit any reflections that could impact on your photo. Shoot with the widest aperture possible to keep the depth of field nice and short.
