Similar places to shoot? Indoor zoo.

I recently posted a thread asking where I should visit for pics, between SD and NV. Unfortunately it seems that my sister won't be joining me for that, so I'm considering a new idea:


The first two pictures below are good examples of the types of images I'd like to have the opportunity to capture.

The last picture, also mine, was taken from inside the "dome" at Reptile Gardens. The dome offers natural and relatively diffused lighting.

So then, in any of the following states, where could I go to get similar photo opportunities? CO, ND, NE, NV, SD, UT, WY.

Edit: Oh, and the most difficult part, which I forgot to mention: Entry must be free. Outdoors is fine, if 135mm is long enough.

Wrong year to ask the question. Where I live, places like that are all closed. You can still find photogenic animals outdoors on a cloudy day.

OhLook wrote in post #19053007
Wrong year to ask the question. Where I live, places like that are all closed. You can still find photogenic animals outdoors on a cloudy day.

I can wait for things to reopen.

OhLook wrote in post #19053007
Wrong year to ask the question. Where I live, places like that are all closed. You can still find photogenic animals outdoors on a cloudy day.

Sadly she is correct, but also consider the Nature Centers at various local and state parks.

All of them typically have aquariums, terrariums and other displays with various animals in some interesting displays. I'm actually working on a project right now for our local park system and a new guidebook of what lives in the area. I've been a volunteer there for years so they've given me access in exchange for reference images. Once things open up again get to know the staffs. They are typically friendly people and may also help you with some custom setups.

icor1031 wrote in post #19053008
I can wait for things to reopen.

In that case, I can suggest the Butterfly Pavilion north of Denver, which is more or less along the route from Rapid City to Las Vegas.

https://butterflies.or​g/

The Denver Zoo is known as one of the best zoos.

Also, in Zion National Park, there are lots of lizards in the riparian habitat around the Visitor Center complex and the campground. . They are not inside, as you prefer, but they are very approachable and photogenic. . If you would be willing to shoot outside critters that are wild, and not held in captivity, then I think you would find them very enjoyable to photograph. . You could do so successfully at 135mm, as long as the minimum focus distance of your lens is short enough to allow you to fill the frame the way you want to.

icor1031 wrote in post #19053008
Oh, and the most difficult part, which I forgot to mention: Entry must be free.

This is difficult. . I wonder, is this requirement of yours based on some ideal that you have, or is it due to your financial status? . If it is because you aren't able to come up with the money, then I would be glad to pay for your entry into any of the three places I suggested; I can just give you the funds via PayPal. . If it is based on some ideal that you have, then I don't know how anyone will be able to help you.

icor, requiring free entry (you added this in editing the post I replied to above) will limit your choices in a project that already has enough restrictions going for it. If you must watch every penny, how do you justify to yourself the cost of travel to other states?

Building on the suggestion for the Denver Zoo, they used to offer Free Friday admission but now they are rescheduling for other days. You'll have to do a little digging but here's the link:

https://www.milehighon​thecheap.com/denver-zoo-free-day/

About how far is the drive for you?

OhLook wrote in post #19053679
icor, requiring free entry (you added this in editing the post I replied to above) will limit your choices in a project that already has enough restrictions going for it. If you must watch every penny, how do you justify to yourself the cost of travel to other states?

With great difficulty; I abhor spending money on things that don't last very long... I wasn't very bothered by purchasing an Otus, but spending $120 on a round trip to Vegas bothers me.

Tom, it is money, but it's not that I can't afford to pay for it myself, so thanks for your offer but it wouldn't be reasonable or fair for me to accept. However, I'll look into how much the fees are and maybe I'll decide that they're worth it.

sapearl wrote in post #19053692
Building on the suggestion for the Denver Zoo, they used to offer Free Friday admission but now they are rescheduling for other days. You'll have to do a little digging but here's the link:

https://www.milehighon​thecheap.com/denver-zoo-free-day/

About how far is the drive for you?

Denver is 387mi. Vegas is 1061mi.

Thanks for that link.

icor1031 wrote in post #19054063
Denver is 387mi. Vegas is 1061mi.

Thanks for that link.

You're welcome. I've found over the years that a lot of places have either discount days, free days, or special times to introduce potential new visitors or members to the organizations. It's just a matter of looking or getting on mailing lists.