PhotoWalking USA

Zoos are fascinating places, and I think Zoos are great locations to take a photowalk. They provide us with a great variety of subjects, both animals as well as people. Zoos also afford photographers a chance to get very close to wild animals for close up photography without a lot of equipment.

Tips for great photos at the Zoo

Early mornings and late afternoons are always best. Mid-day shots tend to be harsh and wash out the colors. Depending on the exact direction of the sun, it can shadow portions of the face, especially the eyes on many species. Early mornings and late afternoons are also the times of day when wildlife is most active resulting in opportunities to film the species in active modes.

With wildlife photography, when capturing images of single animals the face is the focal point. On the face, the eyes become the most important feature. They capture the expression of each individual.  Watch your framing. Whatever you are photographing should represent at least 80% of the picture. If you are attempting to do a head or face shot, zoom in until it fills most of the frame. If you are doing a whole body shot, make sure the feet or tail is not cut off.

Shoot the People. People make great subjects when at the zoo. Don’t just focus on the animals but look for the wonderful reactions of those around you as they react to the animals. Sometimes the people can be more animated than the animals as they mimic them.

And remember most of all have fun. Happy Shooting!

Today’s Digital cameras LCD screens are great for viewing our shots indoors or even in partial shade, but in direct sunlight, the harsh sun rays all but completely wash out our ability to review our work in the field. Meet the photowalkers newest best friend. The HoodLoupe from Hoodman. The HoodLoupe 3.0 Professional is worn around your neck just like a normal loupe. When it is time to review your shot; bring the HoodlLoupe up to your image and place your eye up to the eye cup for complete glare free viewing. The HoodLoupe has a +-3 diopter to accommodate those with less than perfect vision. HoodLoupe adjusts focus just like a binocular eye piece… you turn the eye piece in or out to set for your vision. Minimal magnification is used to eliminate visual pixilation of your image. Each Hoodloupe is encased in a user friendly rubber for comfort and protection from bumps that will occur throughout your shoot. Comfortable lanyard and compact protective storage case included. Fits up to 3.0 inch LCD screens. Now for the downside, it’s pricey at $79.99 but, in my opinion, it’s well worth it.

This labor day weekend I had a great photowalk event at the Old Sacramento Gold Rush Festival. This was a photowalking opportunity I couldn’t pass up. More than 200 tons of dirt was dumped on the streets of Old Sacramento as the annual festival “turns back the clock,” transforming Sacramento’s historic district into a scene straight out of the 1850s. Complete with Costumed re-enactors, Wild West gun fights, musicians playing period instruments, and many aspects of life during the Gold Rush era.

Here a couple of shots from the event.

I get asked this question all the time. Which lens to buy for photo-walking? I don’t normally give away trade secrets, but here it is.. It’s model number 56-67850..Wait.. I’m of course kidding. 

The correct answer of course, is it depends on the type of photowalk your embarking on. If your photowalk is taking you through lots of beautiful vistas and landscapes, a nice wide angle lens would be ideal. On the other hand,  If your photowalk is taking place in more of a urban setting,  then, maybe a longer tele-zoom would suit you better.

For me, I’ve gotten in the habit of carrying  2 main lens with me on all photowalks. I carry a 24-105mm f/4, and a 70-200mm f/2.8. I find that these two lens are usually more than ample to cover most shooting situations.

Even if you don’t own a DSLR, most of today’s point and shoot cameras are outfitted with great general purpose lens. My little Canon G9 is outfitted with a 35-210mm lens, which is perfect for photowalking.  Remember, photowalking is about the experience, not how expensive you gear is.

So get out and photowalk this weekend!

If you have a question on photowalking or photography, or would just like to suggest a topic for us to cover, be sure and drop us a line. You can email us at: photowalkinglife@gmail.com