going to the local safari park

[andywatson00]

i will be going to the local safari park this week any tips for taking photos at zoo's safari parks

i have a rebel txi 50mm f1.8 18-55 kit lens and the 55-250 f4-5.6 cannon that i can take with me, any tips as to what to look out for or best way settings etc

[pweb]

Andy, I went to a safari park back in February. The challenge was to keep it looking natural, minimizing people and man-made things. I looked for close-ups and unusual angles, like up at a giraffe's head instead of trying to get the whole body. Be ready to catch things quickly; higher ISO setting for faster shutter speed with the exposure compensation down a bit to balance it out. If you're looking through a netting or into a fenced area, it often helps to hold the camera very close to the net or fence in order to see through it. Opportunities for candid people pix are there, too, like children's excitement and awe over the animals. Chances are you'll want plenty of zoom ready, since the animals aren't always close by.
Hope you have fun!