Chimpanzee, Saint Louis Zoo
As our closest genetic relative, chimpanzees exhibit behaviors hat echo many of our own and photographing them can be a fascinating experience. Keep these tips in mind the next time you run into a community of chimps at the zoo.
Chimps Are Posers
Most chimpanizee habitats are large and contain a generous assortment of trees and toys so you’ve got a great chance to capture an environmental portrait when shooting them. Scope out the areas within their enclosures that would frame nicely and wait for individual chimps to move off on their own and watch them strike a pose. You’ll need to use a long focal length to reach and isolate an individual subject but the results can be amazing.
Chimpanzee, Saint Louis Zoo
Chimps Are Social
Chimpanzees have a complex social structure within their communities and will show tremendous variety of interactive behaviors. Look for opportunities to capture social displays during meals, playtime, and rest periods. You may see a variety of behaviors such as communication, fights, teamwork, and physical intimacy such as cuddling and tickling.
Chimps Are Expressive
As you watch their social interactions, be sure to pay close attention to their faces. You may catch a close-up showing smiling and laughter, fear, anger, pain, empathy, or affection.
Chimps Are Curious
It often seems that chimpanzees watch us as much as we watch them. Keep an eye on the spectators and chimps near the glass and you may catch a touching image of two species sharing the special bond created by mutual curiosity.
Chimpanzee, Saint Louis Zoo
Chimps Are Rugged
Don’t forget the details. Be sure to look closely at the fur, hands, feet, and even teeth to see first hand how harsh these animals’ lives are even when cared for in captivity. You may be able to show an aspect of their lives that often goes unnoticed.
Sample Shot Checklist
- Environmental portrait of a single chimp
- Wide-angle shot of the community and their enclosure
- Medium shot of several chimps interacting
- Close-up of a chimp showing a facial expression
- Medium shot of a chimp looking at a human observer
- Detail of a chimp's hands or feet
