paulie smith , Dec 20, 2011; 10:52 a.m.
Dave Wilson 
, Dec 20, 2011; 01:50 p.m.
Yes indeed, some fine stuff, but there's stuff on here that will toast some of that, and that's why it's so cool to hang out here!
Nathan Gardner 
, Dec 23, 2011; 12:42 p.m.
Not really impressed, and not a fan of zoo photos. Like Dave says, there's much better work here on Pnet.
David Cavan 
, Dec 24, 2011; 12:49 p.m.
There's always a "better photo", that's what great about this hobby. And for those who don't like zoos as places to take photos, good for them - I'm happy they can be the elitist few. For the vast majority of photographers here on PNet and out in the real world that's not something that's possible - we are amateurs with other ways to earn a living. Zoos may not be a challenging environment to find the animals, but they are a challenging environment to get a shot that doesn't include artificial lights, concreate barriers and the like. And it's what available to most of us.
David Cavan , Dec 24, 2011; 12:50 p.m.
Keith Reeder , Dec 31, 2011; 09:46 a.m.
Why is it "elitist" not to care for zoo photography?
For the record, I'm only an "enthusiast" bird photographer, I live in a small industrial/mining town in north east England ( no "rural idyll" here) and the nearest zoo is about 150 miles away - yet I find plenty of birds and wildlife to photograph.
Perhaps the difference between me and the supposed "vast majority of photographers" is that I'm prepared to put some effort into it.
Oh, and - for reasons I won't go into here - I don't drive either, so it's not like I can just hop into the car and head off somewhere that I know is full of appealing subject matter.
Ian Forsyth 
, Jan 01, 2012; 09:46 p.m.
Nature photography is all about preparation, patience’s and understanding your subject.
It breaks my heart that people link nature to an animal living in a zoo. There is nothing more rewarding than to capture or at least seeing a wild animal in their native environment.
Keith Reeder , Jan 02, 2012; 09:33 a.m.
Nature photography is all about preparation, patience and understanding your subject.
My sentiments exactly, Ian.
David Cavan , Jan 02, 2012; 12:44 p.m.
I'm glad that you get to do what you want outside of a zoo, but to simply dismiss good photos because they were taken in a zoo is my definition of "elitist". Lots of people don't have the outside the city option, and to put down their very good photos because you can is elitist.
Ian Forsyth , Jan 02, 2012; 11:38 p.m.
I have no problem with zoo, game farm or staged photography.
What I hate is when someone portrays them as nature or wildlife shots.
