I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend a day at London Zoo on the macro photography course. Tutored by Wildlife Photographer Dave Stevenson. I found him to be helpful, patient and amusing.
My new macro lens was put to the test and I was so lucky to have the opportunity to be part of a small group of enthusiasts and to have the opportunity to capture giant Galapagos tortoises (named Dolly, Polly and Priscilla), they loved a good neck rub. An Australian boa constrictor, giant beetle from Madagascar, giant African millipede, jungle nymphs or stick insects – (scientific name: Heteropteryx), giant African snail, Australian white tree frog and an African tarantula to name a few.
I learned so much from the guys behind the scenes who look after these beautiful creatures and the zookeepers who handle the animals with such a gentle hand and their devotion for these small animals was clearly apparent. I realised there is very little I know about the life of most of our planet’s smallest creatures and listening to stories of evolution and the zoo’s conservation practices was enlightening.
Here are some of my favourite pics of the day, taken with my canon 100mm Macro Lens. I was within 30cm of these beautiful animals and so their characteristics and detail are clear and in focus. Was I nervous? No! The lens between us was a perfect barrier, just long enough for me feel comfortable. I was lost in the moment, focusing mainly on the eye of the animal as I wanted this sharp. I was captivated.
This was not an easy capture. Waiting for that long tongue to flash in and out and catching this by pressing the shutter button bang on time… i was just lucky! It was a long wait!
Resting my lens on the edge of the table allowed me to take a photo of the millipede crawling (or running) towards it. They move very fast!
The giant African millipede curled up, reminding me of a beautiful piece of wooden jewellery.
The Giant African Snail. Slow but curious. The shell as seen close up has beautiful patterns and textures:
Now for spider. The African tarantula with its gorgeous bright orange hairy knees! Loved capturing this arachnid from above. Hairy knees can be beautiful (if they are orange and on a tarantula!)
The stick insects, or otherwise known as jungle nymphs are amusing to watch. They are like contortionists, adopting funny yoga positions…
love their spikes!
Couldn’t resist taking a picture of Polly’s foot. The Giant tortoise from the Galapagos Islands. Her foot placement was just too cute to miss.
And finally, the African Beetle from Madagascar: he breathes through tiny holes, releasing air from his abdomen (spiracles) which sounds just like a can of fizzy drink being opened. Cute hey!
Wild Swans Photography 