The earlier you can get to the zoo, the better. Cool and cloudy is what you want. Less people means the animals are a little less likely to be bored of you. Overcast skies are nature’s softbox. And a cool sprinkly day means you’re not fighting the crowds for the best angle.
That’s how it worked with this shot of Denver Zoo’s baby orangutan, Cerah, grasping on to mom’s back and sneaking snacks whenever they’re in arm’s reach. I had a good 20 minutes with nobody else around, just watching the whole family hop out and do some foraging. The overhead clouds created the beautiful light I needed for a shot of this beautiful baby girl.
The Zootographer 