Animal photography challenges me.

Why just look at that cute little girl over there.

If you’re into taking photos of animals, good luck. It takes a tremendous amount of dedication and patience. I find them much like children because they find countless ways to fiddle and squiggle, and twist and turn.

Cats and dogs are a huge challenge, especially in their playful moments. Horses are constantly chewing or flicking flies off themselves. Zoo elephants will rock from side to side as they think about the day. Monkeys like to fly through the trees with the greatest of ease. They are almost impossible.

I made a few good captures at dog shows. Groomers constantly work with their animals so they sit very still. I’ve found if I am around later in the morning or afternoon, I’ll come upon some tired dogs napping or looking bored like they’re ready to call it a day. That’s when I get my best pictures.


Make my day! I would so like a backrub.

The zoo in Buffalo, New York can be fun. I make frequent visits in the spring because on a pleasant, sunny day, many of the animals are lolling lazily in the sun’s rays, occasionally waking to yawn or check out the tourists. Snap! Good picture. The same animals may get overheated and dive into pools of water. Another good photo op! Feeding time doesn’t always work because the animals are restless. They have one thing on their mind and it isn’t sitting for a portrait.

I have luck in our zoo’s gorilla house. Those gorillas sit and pick at each other or their food for hours; meticulously making sure everything is clean. When they are content, they lie around and stare at the world walking by their windows. I feel a bit sad for them because they are so contained. I must confess I wonder what they are thinking as we harass them with our cameras.

What I like to get in my animal photos is similar to what I search for in children. I like the photo with an expression that fleetingly presents itself. In one moment a tip of the head, a blink, a slight smile, a bored or thoughtful eye, even a yawn tells all. If out of 50 photos, I get one good expression, then my afternoon at the zoo is totally worthwhile.

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