Photographing animals

Pet owners love to photograph their favorite animals. The shutter timing on a digital camera makes this somewhat problematic. If the animal remains still, this is not a problem, but when they are active, you may have to track them with the view-finder. When this is successful, it can result in a wonderful image, so don't give up. Use the macro feature and take close-ups in order to capture intimate details such as the fluffiness of the animal's fur.

Shot of a dog playing in the grass

Cat's face shot in the macro-mode

When photographing animals at a zoo, remember that they can still be quite wild. If you absentmindedly get too close to the cage, you could be injured. This is not a problem with baby animals, but you must be particularly careful about monkeys. Monkeys are naturally curious and have been known to snatch cameras out of the photographer's hand. Zoo animals may look well-fed and docile, but be cautious when near them. Never become so absorbed in what you see in the view-finder that you forget your environment.

Digital cameras are well suited for shooting fish at the aquarium. Most aquariums do not permit flash photography, but a good digital camera can capture excellent images in dark settings without using the flash. Slow-moving fish may be made to appear as though swimming in the ocean by bringing your camera right up to the glass and tracking the motion of the fish.

Shot of zoo animals

Shot of fish in an aquarium

Compare:Understanding Digital Cameras/The time lag inherent in digital cameras

Compare:Understanding Digital Cameras/Photographing a subject through a window

Compare:Understanding Digital Cameras/Making good use of the macro mode of the camera