Can't wait any longer.

[BigStig]

I can't wait any longer its been 10 days since I had the new 40D in my hands due to work and crappy weather so I am going to go to Detroit Zoo in the morning.
I know it is going to be cold but I gots to go take some pics.
I'm a newbie so any tips for my first trip to the zoo.

Thanks

[scrumpy]

Never shot in a zoo, but lots on here do and surprised no hints are coming forward.
C'mon guys, what's the best tip you would offer BigStig?

Mine? Watch you focus and histogram. Oh! and enjoy your new cam.

[Dan-]

Set contrast to -1 and don't use auto.

[duffguy808]

What the darn people! I'll try to avoid crowded days at the zoo. Also go early in the day. My zoo pictures get washed out at high sun.

[EveryMilesAMemory]

Something tells me in Michigan during mid-winter, you wont have to worry about too much high-noon glare:D

They allow tri-pods outdoors, but wont let you use them inside any of the buildings. Being as you'll be at a zoo and have the animals sitting pretty captive, take your time and make sure each shot is spot on.

It's not like when you're out in the country and a deer or elk comes into the field. At the zoo you can sit and compose your shot till your hearts content. Might want to talk with one of the workers and see what time they feed the animals as you can usually get some cool shots at this time.

About a half hour before hand, the animals know it's coming and get pretty amped up.

http://everymilesamemory.smugmug.com/photos/399725211_iLmnA-L-1.jpg

This Bald Eagle kept hidden in the trees all day long, but once they threw it a rat it allowed us to stand on the viewing platform right above it and snap away

You ahve to watch, because sometimes the animals get pretty upset and tell you what they think :D

http://everymilesamemory.smugmug.com/photos/399791301_xqzAW-L-1.jpg

[hopmedic]

I shoot at the zoo frequently, as I am among those who love shooting exotic wildlife (I love the big cats and primates especially), and will probably never be able to go to Africa or Asia. It can be very rewarding. I love to go on the cold days, sometimes even rainy ones (if I don't want to take pictures, that is). Cold days are great because there are no crowds. The last time I went, about a week ago, there were like three people in the whole zoo. I could set up my tripod, sit there and wait for the right shot, and walk around a bit (keeping camera in sight, of course), without a worry.

Often the animals are more active on colder days (if they are mammals, anyway). Also, with the outdoor habitats, getting the animals in snow is something you don't see everyday. It can add to the background, and depending on what the animal is (think juveniles, here) what they're doing with it can really make a great shot.

Keep yourself aware of fences or glass between you and the subject and adjust accordingly, and keep aware of backgrounds - nothing worse than a fence behind that beautiful shot of an exotic animal in what otherwise looks like a grassy plain.

Good luck!