I am not a wildlife photographer. If I get a wildlife shot it’s usually because the wildlife just happened to be there and got in the way while I was shooting something else. So, it’s not often I go out shooting with the specific intent of photographing wildlife, except twice. Once was stalking a black bear in the wild feeding on the salmon spawn in a small stream off the south end of Lake Tahoe. The other was the San Diego Zoo. This journal entry is about the latter.
Kari and I were taking a few days in San Diego to escape the Minnesota Winter. When in San Diego a zoo visit is essential, and a few photos a must. The question is, what would make it more interesting and allow me see it from a different perspective?
I decided to take a closer look and try the face to face experience. Granted, this wasn’t wildlife photography in the purest sense because of the safety glass and fences, but still a wonderful way to take a look at animals not-in-the-wild.
The goal was to concentrate on close-up shots, to see smaller portions of the larger whole. An interesting perspective and a really rewarding way to look at animals in a different way. Their faces are amazingly expressive and tell a wonderful story when viewed very close. It’s also easy to notice they are viewing us just a much as we are viewing them. Remember, when you are visiting the zoo, you are being watched!
Here are some of close-up results, I hope you enjoy.
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