Rainy Day Photography for the Pluviophobe!
The winter season in Seattle can be... damp. With average rainfall between the months of November and February exceeding thirty-three inches, the odds of staying dry in the field are much like those of winning the lottery. Shooting in the occasional shower or downpour is something many of us have faced, but there exists a point at which one finds one's self shaking their fist at the sky and cursing the choice to reside here. Believe it.
For those of us who are sick of the wet, there exist a few decent sheltered locations for something akin to nature photography. I'm talking about places like Woodland Park Zoo and Pacific Science Center, both in Seattle. Now, before you discount the possibility of enjoying yourself while photographing captive flora and fauna, hear me out. Given the option, I'd love to board a plane and take off to Papua New Guinea, but I cannot. I have a "day job" running an Attack & Penetration team for a fortune 50 company. One takes what one can get.
First up, Pacific Science Center.
The "Insect Village" display offers up live insects and arthropods from various locations. Most are behind glass. Don't fret. Use an old microfiber cloth to create a clean area through which to shoot. "I paid $$$ for my 'L' glass, and you want me to shoot through plexiglass?!" Shut up and shoot! At least you're dry! :-)
The "Tropical Butterfly House" is why you came here. This large room represents a simulated tropical environment, complete with artificial sunlight, and temperatures in the low 80s. Live tropical flora will be in bloom throughout the exhibit. Hundreds of butterflies fly freely about the room, often perching on you and your gear. No plexiglass. Watch where you step!
For this exhibit, pack a 100 or 200mm macro lens (or medium telephoto with extention tubes) and a shoe-flash. Leave your tripod at home; bring a monopod or a stabilized lens. My gear of choice for this exhibit consists of: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM, 20mm extension tube, 420EX flash unit, Manfrotto 694 magfiber monopod with 3229 tilt head.
Pick up a handy species guide as you enter. Drop off hitch hiking butterflies as you leave.
The "Puget Sound Model and Saltwater Tide Pool" is normally swarming with children. Check it out, but be prepared for a challenging shoot. I have not yet seen the "Animal Exhibits". There are many others to see, most indoors. Be sure to check out the view of the Space Needle from the courtyard.
Next up, Woodland Park Zoo.
First off, someone at Woodland Park Zoo shares my sentiments regarding the rain, and has designed a Rainy Day Tour.
Normally, I head right for the "Tropical Rain Forest" exhibit. Ocelot, monkeys, frogs, snakes and birds can be viewed in warm temperatures. Take care with your equipment when entering this exhibit and others that are heated. I keep my gear inside of my bag while entering, waiting for everything to warm up before removing my camera and lenses. This helps to prevent condensation from soaking everything. This exhibit, in particular, is quite humid!
Next, see the Day and Night exhibits. There are plenty of reptiles and amphibians to been seen in the Day portion. Be sure to check out the Aruba Island Rattlesnake. Less than 300 exist in the wild, and their numbers are decreasing. Venomous creatures are behind glass. Again, use a microfiber cloth to create a clean area through which to shoot. Another tip: press your lens hood against the glass (softly! mine are rimmed with foam). This proves especially useful when using a flash, which you probably will, as it eliminates glare.
Put away your camera and head into the Night portion of the exhibit. Find a bench and sit while your eyes adjust. Enjoy some time in the dark, viewing nocturnal creatures from around the world. My daughter loves the fruit bats.
There are many sheltered areas throughout the zoo, including Australasia, Williwong Station (tropical bird feeding), Tropical Asia, Bug World, and more. Take the entire day to wander at your leisure. Weekdays yield smaller crowds. Take your kids along and let them burn off some energy.
Next time, Seattle Aquarium. Stay dry.
Jamie, JFP
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