• The day and time are important factors.  Capturing multiple frames is easier if the Zoo is not too crowded.  Arriving when the Zoo opens will provide the optimum conditions, and the animals are often more active and curious earlier in the day.

• Any experienced photographer knows to be prepared and plan ahead.  Have an idea of which habitats you want to visit and their locations.  Bring extra batteries and the camera’s instruction manual for quick reference.

• Indoor photography can be tricky, but if the camera angle is just right, it makes for a beautiful photograph.  When shooting in environments such as the Arctic Ring of Life, it is best to use a straight-on shot.  There is usually plenty of natural light to capture the perfect picture.  In darker habitats, such as the Penguinarium, a flash may be necessary.  Use a slight angle to the left or right to avoid reflections from the glass display.

• Patience is key for successful photography. The habitats at the Detroit Zoo are naturalistic and it may not be possible to get a close-up view of each animal.  Be aware of which habitats provide closer views.  For example, the Australian Outback Adventure is an excellent place to capture an up-close image of a kangaroo.

• Blurry pictures are simple to fix with the correct shutter speed.  Set the camera’s shutter speed to at least 800 in an indoor setting.  Make certain the camera is stable. Tripods and monopods are not permitted in the Zoo’s indoor habitats; use a friend’s shoulder instead to keep the camera from shaking.  For additional information on the Zoo’s policy regarding tripods, flash photography and other restrictions, visit www.detroitzoo.org/Visitors/Photo_Policy/Photo_Policy/.

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October (open at 9:30 a.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day) – with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August – and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March.  Admission is $11 for adults 13 to 61, $9 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7 for children ages 2 to 12; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 
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