Zoo Photo Safari

• A digital SLR and telephoto or tele zoom lens
• A tripod (or make sure your camera and/or lens has image stabilization)

Some special exhibits may be behind glass. For instance, The New York Bronx Zoo Congo Gorilla Forest requires you to shoot through glass, as I did here. A polarizing filter helps reduce reflections.

The best time of year to visit the zoo? Right now. The summer crowds are gone, and if you go during a weekday, you'll have time and room to shoot.

Just as when photographing animals in the wild, be patient. Some animals may snooze for hours, out of sight, but they'll reward those who wait for them to awaken.