[smarti77]

Took these today at Monarto Zoological Park (South Australia). The kids loved it.
It is an open range, safari style bus tour. I was suprised how close to the animals you get. One of the giraffes come right up and started to lick the window for some reason but I was too busy watching the kids amazement to get the shot...

I took loads of pics but these two stand out so far. All comments / critical or otherwise are welcome.

[Russt]

fantastic shots smarti,

#2 could be any where but the zoo....
#1 I like the exposure..is it a crop? I would have like more of the main subject, but still well done!!

[noisynoodle]

Great shots...love the lion!
Jan

[wulinka]

well done!
#2 is quite moody, great subject and nice shot.

personnally, I find #1 a bit busy and it's a shame non of the giraffed is actually facing your or in profile. I know you're not to blame, because with living subjects you can never predict what they're gonna do the next second, but I always try to capture the eye of an animal.

I can see why your kids enjoyed this trip!

uli

[Petographer]

Nice photos Smarti. My wife loves the giraffes.

[smarti77]

Here is a couple more 'in the eye' shots. I still prefer the interaction in the previous group shot though.

[Janika]

Wonderful, clear shots. I like em all! Imagine photographing these in the wild?!

[EnglishBob]

Great series, love the lion, like previously said, could be in the wild from the look of that.

[wulinka]

Wow, I think that second set is just great. supersharp, and right on. I prefer theses to the confusion on the first shot, but it's a good thing people have different preferences

uli

[NT73]

Wow, I think that second set is just great. supersharp, and right on. I prefer theses to the confusion on the first shot, but it's a good thing people have different preferences

uli

Excellent work. ( sounds like a schoolmaster :o)

[Schellamo]

Love these, looks like fun!

[smarti77]

Last ones, I promise...





Thanks for all the comments.

[shuttertalk]

That's awesome smarti! I love those giraffe shots! The "group" one is especially good, as you say.

I love open range zoos - I went to the Werribbee Open Range zoo a few years back on a "photo tour" (pressie from wife) . Instead of the bus, we got to travel in the back of an open jeep so we could get really close to the animals..

It was back when I was shooting film, but I think I got some scans...

Here they are!
http://www.shuttertalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=169