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Early Morning at the National Zoo

Capture stunning wildlife photographs at the National Zoo in the morning hours as the animals emerge from their enclosures. Led by pet and wildlife photographer Julie Gould, this hands-on safari will provide tips on composition, lens use, and more. Don't miss the chance to potentially see pandas up close!

  • All levels
  • 18 and older
  • $119
  • 5114 Ritchie Rd #644, Bealeton, VA , USA, Bealeton, VA
  • 2 hours & 15 minutes
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  • $119
  • Bealeton Flying Circus Air Show @ 5114 Ritchie Rd #644, Bealeton, VA , USA, Bealeton, VA 22712
  • 2 hours & 15 minutes
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Class Description

Description

What you'll learn in this travel photography class:

The very best times to capture the animals at the National Zoo in your camera are the morning hours when they come out of their cages and dens. Pet and wildlife photographer Julie Gould, who has spent years photographing animals of all types in and out of zoos, leads this morning trek to all the best photo ops.

While not guaranteed, it is possible that we will get Panda Passes on site the day of our safari!

The National Zoo is one of the nation’s premier locations 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 outdoor exhibits starting with the Great Cats—African LIONS and TIGERS—Amur and Sumatran. While we’re there, Julie will 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, selective depth of field, techniques for getting great backgrounds and the importance of patience.

Among the animals you will capture in your camera on this safari are zebras, cheetahs, turtles, antelopes, gorillas, elephants, eagles and maybe even the pandas! Julie will also offer tips on lens use, composition, ISO and white balance settings and moving quickly to get the best wildlife photographs.

What to Expect and Bring

This safari is best enjoyed by photographer enthusiasts and professionals who know their camera controls. It is also an active safari with 2-3 miles of walking on zoo grounds.

Long lenses are suggested for this class for the animals in the outdoor exhibits – a minimum of 300mm or 200mm with a 1.5x tele-extender is recommended. (Long lenses like 400mm can be rented for the weekend at District Camera (DC, VA), f8 rentals (DC, VA), ProPhoto (DC) or at websites such as LensProToGo.com, Borrowlenses.com, and LensRental.com). Tripods or monopods are highly encouraged.

Bottled water is highly recommended as we are doing a lot of walking!

  • Camera
  • Long Lenses
  • Extra memory cards
  • Extra charged battery
  • Tripod or monopod
  • Accessories such as filters, remote release
  • Weather appropriate clothing
  • Bottled water

Refund Policy

  • Cancellations must be made in writing via email at least 10 business days prior to Safari date to [email protected]
  • Cancellations received 9 business days or more in advance of Safari date receive a refund of 75% of the amount paid.
  • No refund is made for cancellations received less than 9 business days before the Safari date.

Washington Photo Safari operates rain or shine. A separate itinerary is followed on rain or snow days, utilizing landmarks with unique photogenic interiors, such as The National Building Museum, Union Station, The National Postal Museum, The Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial.

In the event that an instructor or the school needs to cancel last minute, students will receive a refund less a 5% non refundable registration fee.

In any event where a customer wants to cancel their enrollment and is eligible for a full refund, a 5% processing fee will be deducted from the refund amount.

Reviews of Classes at Washington Photo Safari (7)

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Washington Photo Safari

Washington Photo Safari teaches the techniques of photography by taking visitors and local residents on half-day and full-day photo shoots around key sites of the nation’s capital and other cities, while an accompanying professional photographer offers participants extensive tips in camera use, image...

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Washington Photo Safari

Washington Photo Safari

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