You probably know I like a good zoo, and my photos here have shown it. Perth Zoo has now added animatronic dinosaurs, and they turned out to be a lot of fun to see. The movement is great, and it gives the place a different feel from the usual animal walk-through.
They do come with a catch for photographers. Real animals move around, and sooner or later one gives you something to work with. The dinosaurs stay mostly in one spot, so you would think a good shot would be easy. It wasn't. A big head turning or a tail swinging is great to watch, but it doesn't always happen when you have the camera up, and a lot of the time you are waiting.
The colours were the other challenge. They are quite muted, and the dinosaurs tend to blend into the surroundings. Straight-on shots looked flat and a bit mashed together.
So I leaned on two things, the dappled shadows and my focus. Light coming through the trees gave me patches of contrast that helped pull the shape of each dinosaur out of the background. Careful focus on the eye or the head did the rest and gave the shot a point of interest.
Not every frame worked, but I had a great time trying.
If you are heading to Perth Zoo, make time for the dinosaurs, and bring your camera and some patience.