Everyone should visit a zoo at least once in their lifetime. If you're in NC or visiting, you should consider visiting the NC Zoo in Asheboro. The NC Zoo offers a wide range of photography opportunities that obviously include wonderful photographs of exotic animals. My fiancé was lucky enough to win four free tickets to the NC Zoo, so most of the family took a day trip to the zoo.
When, we first got there I was extremely excited to see my two favorite animals, the zebra and giraffe. This was the perfect opportunity to snap some "in the wild" photos.
Of course, the zebra's weren't as cooperative, so I won't post a photograph of a zebra bent down eating or a photo from behind.
On a brighter note, the elephants were out and ready for some photographs. Here I took advantage of incorporating the animals with a family portraits.
Brothers Shane and Josh
Keep in mind that this photo worked perfectly because the boys were in the foreground while the elephants were really far away in the background. To get a great shot of only the elephants you would need to use a zoom. For the photo below, I used a 70-300mm telephoto lens; from the viewing deck, I had to zoom to 210mm to get this shot:
Luckily for the kids, we were stumbled across a helicopter display and education area further down the path. Most zoos have some educational booths and displays that are perfect photo opts.
Gabbi and Sierra riding in the helicopter
Not too far from this exhibit Gabbi wanted her picture taken at the Swamp Ghosts display.
Gabbi loves being the center of attention
Swamp Ghost White Alligator
The gorilla exhibit is the most interactive photography opportunity in the park, in my opinion. Most of the time, the gorillas love to approach and taunt the audience that is gathered against the glass. You are able to grab some great still frames of these animals with ease.
Baboons are equally as interactive, if you catch them at the right time. Sometimes you can even catch some great photos that are rare and wonderful surprises to see.
While you're walking between exhibits or taking a break from the heat, be sure to keep your eye out for special moments you can capture to add to your memories of the day. You never know what you're going to catch.
Gabbi cooling off
Finally, there is no way I could end my overview of the photography opportunities at the zoo without including a photograph of a polar bear and a comical snapshot I was able to capture while standing in the crowd at the polar bear exhibit.
Polar Bear
What a wonderful coincidence
The
NC Zoo is a wonderful place to visit and take photos, so before you decide to make the trip be sure to check out their website for all that the zoo has to offer. I loved this time spent with family and all of the photos that I was able to capture to share with everyone.
Ticket Prices: Adult, $12; Senior (62+), $10; Child (2-12), $8; and Child (under 2), FREE.
Hours of Operation:
April - October 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
November - March 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Zoo is open year round except for Christmas Day
Be sure to check out this venue:
4401 Zoo Parkway,
Asheboro, NC 27205
1.800.488.0444
