Have you ever visited a zoo? I mean, seriously?
Zoos are places for children, sure. But they are also a great place for photographers. For those who do not have the time or the money to travel the world in search of nature photographs, then popping along to your nearest animal park, sanctuary or zoo is just ticket.
And it doesnt cost the earth. Most zoos have a reasonable entry fee and you can usually stay all day. Furthermore, if you buy a season ticket then you can visit in all weathers and seasons and the per-visit cost represents absolute value for money.
Parking is usually excellent and free. You have the convenience and the security of leaving your expensive and bulky equipment in your vehicle when not needed as well and the knowledge that you can just take a drive back home if you are bored or the weather turns nasty.
Best of all, you have access to a wide range of different and exotic animals at different times of the year and different times of the day. If you are patient, or lucky, you may be among the first to see new and unusual arrivals and you could even witness the birth of young animals and track their progress through your images.
The great thing is that you never need be under pressure and, instead of leaving when the going gets a bit tough, you can relax in the warm over a drink and a snack in the convenience of the thoughtfully provided restaurants and snack areas.
Think about the advantages and visit a zoo soon.
Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com
