Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid: my take

[kenw]

Seeing Paul's pics made me go back and re-visit some of mine from this past June. I had taken the 70-200/2.8 and the 20/1.8 (50d body), the 20mm wasn't used at all. Instead of the 20/1.8 I would take the 100/2.8 macro as there are lots of excellent opportunities for close-focus shots, especially floral subjects like orchids, bromelaides, etc. There were numerous times where the minimum focusing distance of the 70-200/2.8 (5') was just too much and I found myself backup a lot, and often backing up into a wall or people....No tripods, no flash allowed (altho the p-n-s crowd flashed away in oblivion). Not sure if a monopod would be allowed, it would be useful. Be there early if on a weekend as it can be crowded.

A fast lens is an absolute must as the light is weak at best, and the critters can move quickly. While Paul used a 300/2.8, I took these with the 70-200/2.8. Lots of the critters (the 2 larger 'monkeys' in particular) are VERY close, before backing up we were within an arm's reach! The resulting shallow DoF is fairly obvious on that shot.

Dress for sweat.....Inside the pyramid makes outside in Galveston in June feel cool and dry.

[David Alaniz]

Nice shots, will have to make that trip. Thanks for sharing.

[scottbuckel]

Nice images from a challenging place to shoot.

Scott

[MichaelW]

Nice work. I also need to make a trip there.

[Fireball]

Wow, those are great shots for such low light and no flash. Appreciate you sharing your tips.

[kenw]

Originally Posted by Fireball

... Appreciate you sharing your tips.

and that's why I do it! I have learned a lot here and just want to pass it forward.

Note that it is a glass pyramid and therefore just like outdoors you need to pay very close attention to the sun angles. It is very easy to shoot up and into the sun by accident! Without flash backlit shots rarely work out as well as we 'see' them. Or at least mine never do....

thanx

[Stargazer77517]

Cool series Ken.

[ifly223]

When I can get my rear outa South Korea and back to Ft. Hood I would love to go there. : )