Spring had sprung at Planckendael Zoo, and my wife and I decided it was the perfect day to capture the fresh energy with the cameras. The zoo was alive with the sights and sounds of new life!
Everywhere we turned, there were adorable fluffy ducklings taking a swim. A young stork, perched precariously on its nest, seemed to be practising its first wing flaps, determined to take to the sky. Even the capybaras had joined the baby boom, with their little ones always hungry.
Love was also in the air! A new male gibbon had arrived, and it seemed to be a case of love at first sight for the female. Their playful interactions were a joy to witness.
Of course, the weather wasn't perfect. A touch of cloud cover meant the lighting conditions weren't ideal for photography. But despite that, we had a wonderful day. I captured some fantastic photos, but more importantly, we enjoyed the beauty of spring at Planckendael and the joy of witnessing new life all around us.
Tips for your next Zoo Photography Adventure:
- Be prepared for anything: Spring weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and be ready to adjust your shooting based on the light.
- Focus on the details: Newborn animals are full of charm. Capture their fluffy fur, clumsy steps, and curious eyes.
- Don't forget the adults: Spring is a time of courtship and family bonding. Look for interesting interactions between animals.
- Enjoy the moment: While capturing great photos is important, don't forget to simply enjoy the experience of being surrounded by nature and wildlife.
I hope this inspires you to grab your camera and head to your local zoo! You never know what springtime surprises you might capture.
Equipment used for this shoot:
- Nikon Z50 + Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 Sport + Nikon FTZ II Adapter
- Nikon D3500 + Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3
- Monopod Sirui P-326
- Tarion Pro PB-01 Backpack