Regardless of your skill level, I truly believe that you can benefit by spending more time studying the art of photography at zoos and safari parks. Practicing with your gear, working on composition, testing new modes, creating custom settings, etc.
Just taking photos is not practicing although it is a big part of it. Using a single lens all day, or a single shutter speed, or a single aperture, these are things that could help you get a better feel for what is possible.
Also, watching training videos produced by more experienced photographers is a great way to increase your knowledge, and with practice, your skill set.
I found that the videos on KelbyOne.com have really helped me step up my game. Moose Peterson has great wildlife classes, and I suggest you watch them all. Rick Sammon is another great instructor when it comes to wildlife.
But while they have great beginning wildlife classes as well as great safari classes, I noticed that there were no classes on how to photograph animals at the zoo. So as my skill level increased, and my zoo started using more and more of my photos, I began to think that maybe I was the right guy to teach the class. After a couple of years gathering my portfolio, becoming a docent for the zoo, and finding the guts to approach KelbyOne with the idea, I finally sent in the suggestion and received a positive response.
On February 13, 2020, my class “The Art Of Zootography” was released on KelbyOne.com. So if you are at all inclined to try out a great online training site, start by watching “The Art Of Zootography”!
If you are a member of KelbyOne, I will be supporting the class in the community forums. Some of the very best questions or ideas will be things I can also discuss in upcoming posts here on this site.
Keep your eye out for more of my posts and I promise to do my best to keep them interesting.