On Assignment at
Riverbanks Zoo
22
January 2002 at 7:10 am
to
syllabus
Let's say you've been contracted by Riverbanks
Zoo to provide a set of photographs to illustrate a brochure planned for widespread
distribution. The images requested by the art director are as follows:
-
a fish
-
a reptile
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a bird
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a large mammal
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a small mammal
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a creature behind glass or plexiglass
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a creature behind (through) a fence or bars
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something from the walled garden
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a human visitor at the zoo
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a human interacting with a zoo animal
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something with a Riverbanks Zoo logo
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a attractive facility at the zoo
Your task is the provide the most interesting photographs
you can muster. You're being paid for your technical expertise as well as your
artistic flare and creativity. Impress the art director with your images and
you may get lucrative long term contracts and referrals to wealthier zoos. Disappoint
the art director and you'll have to return to Wofford, complete your education,
and settle for a lackluster job outside of photography. Your future is in your
hands (in the form of a camera!) The pressure's on!
Advice
Look at your client's existing publications. Evaluate
and anticipate their preferences and needs. Check
out their website.
Know the layout of the zoo. Don't wait until you
arrive to discover where the exhibits are and then decide where to go. Have
a flexible plan.
Schedule yourself to be in the right place at the
right time. You must get the complete set of photographs. For example, know
the feeding schedules.
Study the light!
Watch the sky. Plan for the movement of the sun and clouds. Be aware of East
and West and the best times for directional lighting.
Seek animals that are doing something or patiently
wait for them to do something interesting. Catch them in the act.
Know the activity patterns of your subjects. Watch
for stereotypic movments.
Plan for catchlights.
Pay close attention to light and shadows.
Prefocus.
Get close.
Eliminate glare from glass or plexiglass.
Make fences or bars invisible.
Eliminate distracting elements.
Work in small groups. Share ideas, suggestions,
and equipment. Cooperate and collaborate.
Avoid the crowds or make the crowds an asset in
your photographs.
Pack thoughtfully with accessibility and mobility
as a priority.
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Tripod or monopod
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Cable release
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plenty of film (think about what kind(s) you'll
need)
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telephoto lens
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electronic flash
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polarizer filter
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map of the zoo
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schedule of feedings, etc.
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notepad and pen for recording exposure information
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layered clothing
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well organized camera bag or traveler's vest
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beanbag or other camera support
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snacks
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padded camera bag/lens cases
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cloth and glass cleaner for plexiglass or glass
Be prepared: Have camera loaded, fresh batteries,
clean lenses, organized storage, and plenty of film.
Wear layered clothing for temperature control flexibility.
Colors should be unobtrusive.
Have many pockets. Establish a system for where
you store commonly used items like lens caps, cable release, etc. so you don't
fumble and miss the shot.
No sunglasses...too much time for eyes to adjust.
Protect against theivery:
-
blackout name brands
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conceal equipment not in use (under clothing,
inside jacket, in fanny pack...)
-
loop bags through arms or legs
Attitude is important:
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Courteous and considerate of other visitors
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Assertive but not rude or obnoxious
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Inquisitive
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Patience and persistent pay
Apply what you have learned! Remember your client
(employer) is paying you for your expertise. (Generally true in life!)