A Day At National Zoo and Roosevelt Island

Portrait photographer Bob Blanken has a special treat for all students, adults AND children,  who sign up for his fully discover the National Zoo and Roosevelt Island. If it’s pictures you want, then it’s pictures you’ll get.

The entire day will be spent capturing images. The focus of the day is twofold. For the morning and part of the afternoon session we’ll concentrate on getting great shots at Washington’s famously photogenic  National Zoo. The rest balance of the day will be spent on Roosevelt Island. The class is limited to 15 students,so make sure you get on board early to take advantage.

Morning:  Meet at the Connecticut Avenue entrance to the National Zoo at 8:45AM. The National Zoo is a premier location showcasing many species of wild animals from around the world. The many species will keep us entertained for the entire time we’ll spend photographing them. We’ll concentrate on the animals in both the indoor and outdoor exhibits. While we’re there, we’ll discuss how to read the light, be taught how to anticipate the best action, and learn how to create the best possible images at each exhibit. We’ll also discuss long lens techniques, how to use fill flash to soften contrast, selective depth of field, and the importance of getting great backgrounds and the importance of patience.

Long lenses are suggested for this class for the animals in the outdoor exhibits - a minimum of 300mm is recommended. (Long lenses like 400mm can be rented for the weekend at Penn Camera at 8th and E NW, call 202-347-577 to reserve in advance). Bring shorter lenses for working some of the indoor animals. Additionally, bring an external hot shoe flash so you can be shown how to optimize the light for both indoor and outdoor shooting. A flash will prove beneficial to help tame the contrast for the outdoor animals and be used as a main light for the indoor critters. If you have a dedicated flash cord that allows you to use the flash off camera, be sure you bring it so that Bob can show you some neat lighting tricks. Plan on making a lot of pictures as we wander the grounds.

Lunch Break: We will have a lunch break with an opportunity to share insights and images and learn from each other’s efforts, failures and successes at the Mane Restaurant. This will also provide an opportunity to rest before the afternoon trek.

Afternoon: We will spend a brief period capturing images missed or trying ideas gathered over lunch. Then we change the pace with the balance of the day at Roosevelt Island, located on the Potomac River with an entrance from the George Washington Parkway northbound lane. With Teddy Roosevelt’s Memorial and great vistas of the Georgetown waterfront, the island is a unique photographic opportunity, a place of unusual tranquility and wonderful imagery.

Robert N. 'Bob' Blanken, CPP, Cr. Photog. is a Faculty member of both the Washington Photo Safari and the Panasonic Digital Photography Academy. He also leads local classes for the Professional Photographers of America. Bob is past president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. He is the 2006 and 2002 (ISES) Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer, and the 2003 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Corporate Photographer. Bob has been nominated 19 times as Best Photographer by the Greater Washington Chapter of the International Special Events Society and three times by the International Society.

Be prepared for parking and any fees incurred. If you are a FONZ, parking is free.