Gorillas are incredible subjects to photograph, conveying power, intensity and majesty. Below are five simple tips to help increase your odds of successfully photographing them the next time you’re at the zoo. First things first, though…before photographing, check your zoo’s policies on non-commercial and commercial photography and use of tripods. Also, familiarize yourself with the settings of your camera before heading to the zoo.
Tip #1: Keep an eye out and your camera set for action. Gorillas tend to be fairly laidback most of the day or moving at a relaxed enough pace. That being said, they can be unpredictable so be prepared. They may react to each other or interact with the visitors. They also may have interesting but fleeting gestures. I usually shoot at the widest aperture possible with continuous auto-focus and continuous high shutter. Redundant shots can be deleted, but missed shots are simply lost.
Tip #2: Deal with reflections and smudgy glass. Dirty glass and the reflections of dozens of people including you can ruin an otherwise great image. For reflections, try placing the camera lens right on the glass so that it's flat against the glass. It’s easier if you have a lens hood. Of course, this may not be an ideal angle for a shot so review your images to check for distracting reflections (e.g., across the gorilla's face) that can't be cropped or cloned out. Watch out for scratches on the glass. Finally, bring a small microfiber cloth to wipe away smudges before shooting through the glass.
Tip #3: Visit first thing in the morning! Crowds can be a big problem later during the day. For this reason, it's better to come early when there are fewer people and the light is less harsh in the habitats. Otherwise, you may have to patiently wait your turn at the glass. Another solution is to make the spectators part of the photo. Crowds may thin out toward closing time also, but you’ll also have less time to capture a great image.
Tip #4: Whenever you see action, just take the shot, don’t hesitate. If you fiddle with your settings, the moment will be over. It's far better to get the shot of an interesting gesture, even if not technically perfect, than missing it altogether. Remember to set up your camera for the lighting conditions before arriving.
Silverback gorilla on the move
Tip #5: Focus on the eyes, and be patient. Sharp and expressive eyes will greatly strengthen the connection between your subject and the viewer of your photo. If they’re out of focus or looking away, this can turn a potentially great image into just an average snapshot. With newer cameras that have ‘eye-detect’ autofocus, this can be a little easier. If lighting is harsh so that the eyes are in shadow, consider waiting until the gorilla moves or come back later in the day. Also, keep a sharp eye out for interesting expressions and gestures, and allow plenty of time for shooting so you’re not feeling rushed and end up missing once-in-a-lifetime images.
Bonus Tip: Use your fastest zoom telephoto lens. For large, in-door enclosures or outdoor enclosures in the evening, your lens needs to be long enough to capture gorillas further back in their enclosure, and you’ll need a fast enough shutter speed to capture any action. Tripods are often banned or otherwise frowned upon when they are perceived as blocking paths, so don't count on being able to use one. However, a monopod may be useful to help stabilize your camera. Putting your camera lens right up against a glass enclosure also helps for stability and reducing reflections from the glass. Use continuous autofocus, auto ISO, and shoot in bursts so that you increase the odds of getting a reasonably sharp photo (see Tony Northrup's "Rule of Doubles").
Hope you find these tips to be useful on your next trip to the zoo. To see more fine art images of animals, please click here.