Photography for Wildlife*

Photography can be a powerful force for wildlife. With the help of a Zoo naturalist and a local photographer, connect photography and conservation while enjoying exclusive access to photograph Zoo animals without the crowds. Each class focuses on a different trail, with trail-specific photography tips and highlights from the animals’ personal and conservation stories.

Indoor Animal Photography on the Tropics Trail

Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 3-6 p.m.

The Tropics Trail provides a great opportunity to get relatively close to all sorts of amazing animals. Large and heavy telephoto lenses aren’t necessary to capture fantastic photos; but darker environments, glare and reflections in glass, netting, and awkward angles can provide some challenges. Learn and practice techniques to overcome these challenges, including proper camera settings, positioning, composition, and post-processing steps to complete the image.

Approximate class schedule:
• 3:00 pm - Welcome & classroom learning
• 3:45 pm - walk to the Tropics Trail
• 4:00 pm - Tropics Trail photography practice
• 5:45 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; the photographer recommends:
• manual aperture, shutter speed, and ISO setting adjustability
• zoom lens(es) covering 24-200mm
Participants with simpler cameras are welcome to try some of the tips & otherwise enjoy the animals.

This program takes place mostly indoors; the Tropics Trail is about .5 miles total distance to/from the classroom and .25 miles long. If you have mobility or other accessibility questions/concerns, please email [email protected] to discuss the details of the specific program(s) you would like to attend.

Photographer: Don Tredinnick | Owner, Photographer, & Workshop Leader of Frozen Hiker Photography LLC
Fee: $70 for Zoo members; $75 for Non-Members (includes Zoo admission).
Meeting location: Education Event Center (EEC)
Program Maximum: 24 participants

*Teacher/Educator Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for professional development available for participants upon request.

Previous Programs:
• Engaging Animal Photos on the Northern Trail (Photographer Don Tredinnick)
• Birds in Flight with the World of Birds Show (Photographer Melissa Anderson)
• Low Light on the Tropics Trail (Photographer Asha Lalla)
• Animal Ambassadors - Animals Without Barriers (Photographer Asha Lalla)
• Minnesota Trail - Vanishing Fences (Photographer Gil Dignen)
• Treetop Trail - Adapting to Nature Through the Lens (Photographer Stefanie Toftey)

Copyright 2023, Minnesota Zoo | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy