Photo Field Trip: Bronx Zoo - 5 hour Workshop

Skill Level(s): All Levels
Location: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460 map
Instructor: Scott Dengrove
Date and Time: Online Class: Friday, Nov 10th, 7PM - 8:30PM, Onsite Practice: Saturday, Nov 11th, 10:00AM - 2:30PM

DESCRIPTION

With over 4,000 animals representing over 600 species, The Bronx Zoo provides one of the best opportunities to view and photograph animals in a setting that meticulously recreates their natural habitats, and it's right in our own backyard!

Rated one of the top 5 zoos in the world, their mission is to safeguard the earth's magnificent diversity of wildlife through field conservation and education.

Visit a zoo in the winter? Absolutely! The Bronx zoo is open year-round, which is fortunate for us as animals love the snow, and nothing makes a more impressive photograph than a fierce leopard surrounded by a wintery backdrop. The winter also means less crowds, less heat and humidity and more active animals. The zoo also boasts some impressive indoor exhibits as well, giving us a chance to stay warm and toasty while photographing exotic species.

Exhibit highlights include Jungle World, the Bronx Zoo's indoor rain forest featuring nearly 800 species, Madagascar, showcasing a variety of wildlife and plants from the island, Highland Himalayas (weather permitting), home to the striking snow leopards and red panda, Sea Lion Pool (weather permitting), watch them frolic, play and get fed, creating the perfect opportunity for capturing images, and Astor Court, home to the zoo's original landmark Beaux-Arts buildings.

The workshop will begin with an online virtual class the night before, hosted on the Zoom platform. We'll start with an orientation and photo lesson where we'll cover such topics as camera settings for wildlife photography, focusing on fast moving birds and animals, handling tricky lighting situations, composing great wildlife images, storytelling, and framing.

The workshop will continue with the hands-on portion on-site at The Bronx Zoo, the next day. We will answer questions and review techniques from the online class. Then it's on to the animal exhibits to practice our skills. Each participant will receive a guide with helpful tips, techniques and tricks for getting amazing shots in a zoo setting.

WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?

Whether you're preparing for a planned safari or just want to enjoy some of the best wildlife photo opportunities anywhere in New York, this workshop is open to all levels of photographer with any type of actual camera (no smart phones or tablets please). High school students are welcome but anyone 18 or under must be accompanied by an adult.

REGARDING COVID-19

The safety of our participants and instructors is of the utmost priority. As such, all of our workshops are run in accordance with guidelines and standards set forth by governmental agencies on the Federal, State, and County level including the CDC, NYS Dept. of Health, NYS Office of the Governor, and Westchester County Dept. of Health, as well as WCS and the Bronx Zoo.

As per updated guidelines provided by New York City and State the Bronx Zoo no longer requires proof of vaccination for visiting indoor exhibits. In addition, masks are no longer required, but are highly encouraged for indoor exhibits.

COST AND WHAT'S INCLUDED

The cost for this photo field trip is $99 and INCLUDES admission to The Bronx Zoo. As part of this workshop takes place in the zoo's JungleWorld exhibit participants will receive a Total Experience Ticket. Your admission ticket will be emailed to you a few days prior to the workshop.

If you are already a zoo member or eligible for a senior citizen or military discount there is an option for you to purchase tickets on your own. Participants must ensure they are purchasing or have a membership which includes all of the amenities of a Total Experience Ticket. Further, all zoo visitors must now reserve an entry time in advance. If you are purchasing your own tickets you will need to reserve your own entry time for the 10AM-11AM time slot.

Tickets can be purchased in person or online click here

TRANSPORTATION

This special field trip takes place entirely at The Bronx Zoo, participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the zoo as well as their own parking fees. The Bronx Zoo is easily accessible by car, bus, subway and train. You will meet your instructor at the zoo, full details will be given prior to the field trip.

Participants may view directions by using the links below:

View driving directions
View directions by public transportation including bus, subway, and train

WHAT TO BRING

Please bring your fully charged camera and any accessories you'd like to have, see "Equipment Recommendations" below for details.

We do not have a lunch break scheduled, as such, due to the length of the workshop it is recommended to bring a water bottle and a light snack.

Food and beverages are prohibited in animal exhibits, all snacks will need to be stowed away before entering any exhibits.

EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

All participants, no matter what type of digital camera (no smartphones or tablets please) they have, will find enjoyment and learn something from participating in this workshop. However, we do have some recommendations that will help to ensure you get the most value out of the workshop.

If you are using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, we recommend bringing the longest focal length lenses you own. In zoos animals are often far away from view and having a telephoto or super telephoto lens will help you to get up close and personal with your subject.

Although the zoo does allow tripods, they are restricted in many of the exhibits as they can cause a trip hazard. We find having a monopod instead can be helpful, if you have one, for exhibits where the lighting may be subdued and to support your long lenses. Monopods also offer maximum ease of use and safety in a zoo setting over a tripod.

Further equipment recommendations will be provided in a detailed email prior to the field trip.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The on-site portion of the workshop will take place on Saturday, November 11th, 2023. We will be at the zoo from 10:00am - 2:30 PM. A detailed itinerary will be sent closer to the start of the workshop. There will be a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes, The Bronx Zoo is accessible to wheelchair users and they have limited wheelchairs available for rental.

All tickets to the zoo are now timed entry. Your ticket will allow you to enter the zoo anytime between 10AM and 11AM. Our workshop starts promptly at 10:30AM so it is recommended that you arrive early. Entries will not be permitted past 11AM and no refunds will be given for missing your timed entry window into the Bronx Zoo.

PLEASE NOTE: Although our workshop does not start until 10:30am please plan on arriving at the zoo promptly at 10am. That is when the zoo opens and the lines to get into the parking lot can often exceed a 15 to 20 minute wait at that time of day. This will ensure that you are at the meeting location by 10:30am.

Leading up to the workshop you will receive several email communications from us. In order to ensure they get delivered properly and do not get filtered or blocked we suggest adding our website domain, dengrovestudios.com, to your safe sender list or address book.

ABOUT THE BRONX ZOO

The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States. To learn more about The Bronx Zoo and its visitor policies, please visit their website by clicking here.

REFUND POLICY

Due to the admissions and ticketing restrictions set forth by the Bronx Zoo to limit the spread of COVID-19, no refunds are possible for this workshop. By registering for the workshop you are agreeing to have a non-refundable ticket immediately purchased in your name and a timed entry slot reserved. All tickets are non-refundable. Refunds will not be given for no shows or latecomers. As the bulk of this workshop consists of indoor spaces it will take place snow, rain or shine. No refunds will be given for no shows due to weather. In the case of an extreme weather emergency or closure of The Bronx Zoo, there is an alternative workshop date available. If you cannot attend the alternative workshop date a credit will be given for use towards a future Dengrove Studios workshop. In the event that official guidelines regarding COVID-19 change in a way that prevents us from holding the workshop or the Bronx Zoo cannot open due to COVID-19 guidelines, a full refund will be provided.

Music: Going Higher www.bensound.com

Questions? Feel free to contact us before you register.

Leading up to the workshop you will receive several email communications from us. In order to ensure they get delivered properly and do not get filtered or blocked we suggest adding the following emails to your safe sender list or address book, info@dengrovestudios.com and courses@dengrovestudios.com

$99
Online Class: Friday, Nov 10th, 7PM-8:30PM, Onsite: Saturday, Nov 11th, 10:00AM - 2:30PM

What type of photographer are you?

Level I - Students are new to photography and either have no formal training in photography or perhaps took a class a long time ago. Level I students are unsure of the operation of their gear or may feel intimidated by taking their camera out of "auto" mode and playing with the manual settings. Photographs of Level I students show significant technical issues as well as compositional issues as they have not yet received training. There's nothing wrong with being a Level I photographer, we all started there, and remember what it's like.

Level II - Students have some understanding of photography principles and may have taken a class or two. Level II students are somewhat familiar with their gear and try to use manual camera settings when they can. As a result, they have gotten lucky from time to time by creating great photographs that were the result of "happy accidents". Although their pictures are applauded by friends and family, they are still at the beginning of learning their craft and their images may have technical issues. Additionally, they can be so caught up with using the right settings they may forget to focus on the artistic side of photography such as composition and lighting.

Level III - Students have a solid understanding of photography principles, thanks to some formal training, and are completely comfortable using their camera in Manual Mode. Level III students have overcome most technical issues relating to exposure and sharpness and are starting to play with interesting lighting and compositions. Most of their photos look better than the average persons and are starting to be thought of as a photographer by friends and family. Level III students may be starting to think about doing some low-end paying photography work or upgrading their gear to full frame sensors and pro lenses.

Level IV - Students have significant experience making, capturing, and processing images that more often then not exhibit a complete understanding of photography principles and creative artistic qualities. Level IV students no longer worry about camera settings, they just happen automatically in their head, and all of their photos are sharp and well exposed. In addition, Level IV student photos exhibit consistently decent lighting and composition and a few of their very best photos exhibit these qualities that can be described as dynamic, beautiful, and awesome. They are not afraid to try unusual or extreme techniques but sometimes use them as a crutch to give their photos that "wow" factor. Level IV students are regarded as "really serious about photography" and may have considered going pro.

Level V - Students have advanced skills and knowledge of photography. Their work is consistently at a professional level with no image quality issues and technicals are spot on. Level V student photo compositions have a maturity about them with a clear style and creativity. A Level V student is capable of shooting in almost any lightning condition and bringing back great photos that are interesting and well exposed. Level V students may or may not be working professional photographers but based on their level of work certainly are capable of being a pro.