I was Looking thru some old photos from a trip to Disneyland and identified the best ones as being taken from a "Kodak Photo Spot". Kodak, as the official photo supplier of Disney, hired some professional photographers to go around the park and identify (and possibly set up) locations that offered a professional photo opportunity that really showed off the park and any person you put in the photo. I believe these are now sponsored by Nikon. This got me wondering why zoos with all their beautiful scenery don't do more of this. It seems to me having thousands of people take pictures from the same place, showing off a zoo, then sharing with their friends, would be a very effective and cheap form of advertising. It works for Disney. I've taken photos from spots in some zoos that made me think this was "Kodak Photo Spot" but, nothing was marked in any way to identify it as a very good photo op. Does anyone know of any zoos or wildlife parks (outside of Disney Animal Kingdom) that mark locations for great photo opportunities for the public?
These tend to appeal to casual photographers the most, since the more keen/dedicated/enthusiastic tend to regard an approved photo spot as common and they want a bit different; something a bit unique and personal. They can work; but often as not are only a rough guide and I think at the end of the day most people are of a point and shoot mentality - they go they shoot they walk away. Looking for the approved photo spot isn't really in their interest unless the zoo makes a point of marketing it pretty strongly on-site. It can work; but I guess for a zoo it generates no additional revenue and thus is one of those things ascribed to the backburners and likely won't ever come around unless someone on the team pushes for it. I recall seeing a few around; or atleast I'd like to say I have but I can't recall ever using any or ever really paying attention to them. I think things like feeding times and activities are far more key at drawing in the cameras; plus a good "show" is likely to draw many more in. Just look at the British Wildlife Centre that has done it so well (partly due to its location in being near affluent London) that they are only open 5 days a week to the paying photographers and only open to full public at weekends and holidays.
I think their whimsical opening times are a product of the local licensing agreements, rather than a matter of absolute choice....
I think San Diego Zoo has a couple of these marked photo spots? I seem to remember one in front of flamingos? (If I remember I will try to look when I visit this summer). I also remember as a child in the 1970's that San Diego Zoo had a camera rental counter inside the entrance. You could rent a camera and of course they would sell you film.
