Minnesota Zoo Photography for Wildlife

Low Light on the Tropics Trail

Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Tropical rainforests are known for their amazing animal and plant diversity, including the dense canopy of trees that shade the forest floor. Leave winter for a few hours and enjoy the tropics close to home, on the Minnesota Zoo’s Tropics Trail. Learn about some of the animals and plants on the trail after photography instruction focusing on low-light techniques like camera stabilization and ISO settings. Practice these techniques while joined by the photographer, Zoo naturalist, and animal care staff to help answer questions and share stories about the amazing tropical life you photograph.

Birds in Flight with the World of Birds Show

Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 1-4 p.m.

Flying birds and other moving animals can be some of the most challenging (and interesting!) photography subjects. Join us for an exclusive opportunity to photograph the amazing birds of the World of Birds Show, before opening weekend! The Bird Show team will hold an extra-long training session just for us, with birds from around the world demonstrating natural behaviors like flying, climbing, and perching. Learn about these birds and their conservation from the Zoo Naturalist and Bird Show trainers and practice tips from the Photographer including recommended camera settings, following the subject, and capturing creative images.

Approximate class schedule:
• 1:00 pm - Welcome & classroom learning
• 1:45 pm - Photography practice in the outdoor amphitheater
• 3:45 pm - Return to classroom and wrap-up

This class is geared towards people who already have a decent understanding of their camera and how to adjust their camera settings. Bring a camera and any relevant lenses you have; participants with simpler cameras are welcome to try some of the tips and otherwise enjoy the animal portions of the program. The majority of this program takes place outdoors, with a roughly .5-mile paved trail between the classroom and amphitheater. This program will run in light rain, but may cancel if heavy rain or wind, lightning, or storms are imminent.