Zoo animals are a great way to get behind the lens of a camera and practice your photography skills while traveling. In my last article, I discussed my reason for visiting Izmir Zoo and Wildlife Park and that was to answer if animals should be kept in zoos?
However I did not realize until I arrived at my chosen destination, that the zoo animals and landscapes made it the perfect place to tone up and hone in on my photography skills. This article showcases a few photos that I managed to capture.
Animals at Izmir Zoo on the Aegean Coast of Turkey
The Zoo and Wildlife Park has over 1200 wild and tame animals including mammals, birds, reptiles and endangered species such as the Asian elephant. To be able to watch these animals as they went about their daily life was absolutely amazing and the animals became the perfect photo subject. That day, I took over 300 photos and I will admit that many have been trashed but every so often, I was surprised at the image that I managed to capture.
As soon as you enter the zoo, you are given a detailed map and then you can start exploring and observing a wide range of zoo animals that include but are not limited to…
- Birds of prey and birds from the forests of Africa
- Giraffes, zebras, hippopotamus and ostriches
- Camels, red deer, gazelle and elephants
- Bears, wolfs, hyena, monkeys, tigers and lions
- The tropical centre which features crocodiles, insects and snakes
I did not realize exactly how much space the zoo animals were given in Izmir Wildlife Park and at times my zoom lens let me down. The animals had large enclosures and during the mid-day heat, tended to gather for shade under trees that were far off in the distance. If you decide to head to Izmir zoo to practice your photography skills, make sure you have a good zoom lens.
As well as watching the zoo animals, I came across photographers who had zoom lenses longer than my forearm and so many camera accessories that I looked down at my little Fuji camera and blushed with embarrassment. Yes, I suffered from the “You have a bigger camera than me” syndrome but I decided instead to embrace this opportunity and I spent a lot of time watching the experts while in awe. I am quite sure they assumed they had picked up a solo female stalker!
How to get to Izmir Zoo
Make your way to Izmir central bus station and from there catch a bus to Karsiyaka, then hop onto the 777 bus to Sasali. Alternatively, if there is a large group of you, catch a taxi from the bus station to minimize traveling time. If you are in any of the coastal resorts near Izmir, speak to a local tour provider to find out if they can organize a private bus and tour.
Address of Izmir Zoo
Izmir Dogal Yasam Parki
Sasali
Cigli – Izmir – Turkey
Telephone : (0090) 232 327 30 16
Further Reading : Website of Izmir Zoo and Wildlife Park
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Vid says
atYou managed to capture the animals really well 🙂 Somehow it does not look like Izmir – looks so calm and serene 🙂 Can’t say that about the town of Izmir.
We are headed there again in September and will see if we can fit a visit to the Zoo. For some nice pictures if for nothing else.
Natalie says
atHi Emily, yes you can use them but please give credit where possible.
Emily Kershaw says
atHi my name is emily and I am currently a GCSE student. I was wondering whether I could use some of your images for my ICT project. Thanks
Emily
Natalie says
atHi Jane, to be able to see these creatures with your own eyes really does make a difference then viewing them in magazines
Jane says
atExcellent pics! They are really adorable! I wish I could get a chance to get closer to these iconic creatures.
Claire says
atWonderful photos, love the zoo for taking pictures.
Natalie says
atThanks Nancie – A good place for any photographer – Novice or professional.
Nancie says
atI agree, a zoo is a great place to practice photography. You made some nice shots here.
Natalie says
atI see what you mean Ashley – I should have called them untame animals instead
Ashley Beolens says
atI agree that zoos and animal parks can be a great way to practice shooting wildlife, however it is important to make sure you do not claim such images are of “wild” animals, as some do.
Natalie says
at@Angela – it was a nice day out. I would like to return soon with a better camera!
@Sarah Wu – Thank you Sarah. I keep trying. Hopefully one day, I will be as good as you.
Sarah Wu says
atanimal are always tricky to shoot and you have done a beautiful job here.
Angela says
atSuch a lovely place, great photos, the turtles are absolutely gorgeous!
Natalie says
at@Alan – The terrapin was taken with zoom lens on max and as a result I lost a lot of colour so I put it through photo-scape. Wonder if I went a bit over the top now that it is published!
@Elle – Have a wonderful time when you are here. You will love the country.
@Jack – They were all content apart from the elephant. Obviously I can not read minds but was getting vibes of sadness.
Jack Scott says
atGreat photos and the animals look content enough. Did you think so?
Elle says
atBeautiful photos! I’m looking at going to Turkey for 15 days next summer. I just read about the zoo in one of my guidebooks. This post brought that blurb to life. Thanks for the info!
Alan says
atthese are really good, Natalie. I particularly like the colours in the Red-eared terrapin shot – excellent!