Zoo Walk

OldGoat

On the strength of interest shown in this thread...

Zoo opening times and ticket prices.
9:30 till 6:00
Full price tickets - €16.50
Group price (10 or more people) - €13.80

You can shortcut the queue by booking online but I'm not going to stump up front the ticket price for a group of 10 or more so to avail of the discount we will have to queue.

There is a commercial restriction on photography so if anyone is planning on being commercial you should contact the zoo yourself.

I suggest an early start for a couple of reasons.
1: Animals are more likely to be alert and lively.
2: Fewer people around to get in the way - shorter queueing times (hopefully).
3: Better light.
4: Better chance of getting reasonable parking.

Hints & Tips
Bring food and water. There are places to buy food but you'll be happier if you bring your own picnic.
Plan the day, do your research and decide on what you want to shoot. Be patient and wait for the shot.
Study up on using a long lens with a narrow DOF to eliminate/blur icky fences and structures.
Try to shoot from low down.
Bring a bit of cloth to clean the glass of enclosures.
Try bribing the keepers for access to restricted areas.
Remember the zoo also hosts rare and exotic plants. Bring a macro if you have one.
The exterior of the Roberts House aviary is worthy of a photoshoot by itself. Just remember that if/when you enter it your lenses will probably fog up.

I would be happy to take a day off work and do this midweek just to avoid hoards of children running rampage but I know that is not practical for everyone.

So I suggest the first Saturday in April - the 5th.
Anyone interested?

Zascar

Great work OG. I'm definitely on for this. The last time I went to the zoo I was annoyed at how horrible and grubby the glass was all over the place. Looked like it had not been cleaned in months. Hopefully it will be better this time. Taking time off work could be hard for me but starting early sat morning sounds good to me!

inkedpt

I'm in!!

jackjustjumped

This sounds amazing, I'd definitely be up for it.

stevephoto

in

Ben D Bus

OK, I should be free on the 5th, so count me in too.

OldGoat

I'm going to blame chocolate for all the great shots I should get but fail to.

stevephoto

theres two for the price of one tickets in irish independent today

OldGoat

Weather is looking good for Saturday. Overcast but dry.
I'm hoping to get there for about 9:15. I'll be the beardy fat oulfella in a hat.
PM me for my mobile if you think you'll need it.
John.

OldGoat

I'm knackered after an epic day of oneupmanship.

Zascar

Any pics to show us guys?

inkedpt

Great day, great fun and epic selfie
Thks guys

Zascar wrote: »

Any pics to show us guys?

Thousands... literally! It could take some time to pp

Ben D Bus

Zascar wrote: »

Any pics to show us guys?

I took 940 :eek: We were there from 09:30 to about 17:00?

inkedpt

Ben D Bus wrote: »

I took 940 :eek: We were there from 09:30 to about 17:00?

Ouch! Seven and a half hours, 940 photos that's what? 2 shots per minute...? I already finished processing mine, LR is fantastic, so are the swans :P

Tiriel

Sounds like a great day out! Looking forward to seeing some shots

DaireQuinlan

I was there for a few hours on saturday as well, entirely coincidentally. I must have missed the crowd of photographers thronging every enclosure

Only shot I took while I was there was this ...

Ben D Bus

DaireQuinlan wrote: »

I was there for a few hours on saturday as well, entirely coincidentally. I must have missed the crowd of photographers thronging every enclosure

Only shot I took while I was there was this ...

That's one more elephant than we managed to see :pac: