A photograph of the Meerkat Airstream at the Brevard Zoo

Fortunately, an interesting shooting location that lets you get pictures that you normally wouldn’t get is closer than you think! Have you tried your local zoo?

Zoos are not only great for snapping pics of animals, but also of plant life, architecture, elements for composite photography and many other things!

Just some words of warning though. Not all zoos allow any photographs that you take there to be used for commercial purposes, so be sure to check first. (The Atlanta Zoo is just one example.) You can always look for a sign that states the zoo’s photograph policy, check their website or ask a zoo worker if you’re unsure.

So maybe instead of dreaming about far off locales, we just need to explore more locations in our own backyards!

Is there a zoo you like to take pictures at? (If you’re ever in Central Florida, I definitely recommend checking out the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne.) What’s the most interesting shooting location you’ve found in your own backyard?

I’d like to say a huge thanks to the following:

• Abundance Love Trip for all the promotion she’s been doing for me and others!  Check out her shop Abundance Love Trip for abstracts and super cute artwork!
• And thanks to TNM Graphics for featuring my posters Cat Eyes Black and White, Foo Kitty and Sleeping Cat Olivia on the website Super Cute Critters.  You can check out my prints on the poster page.
• Also, a huge thanks to the Glitter, Sparkle and Shine Group on Red Bubble for featuring my photograph, Daytona Beach Sun.

In Florida, it seems that for whatever reason, it’s easier to see wildlife. I’ve seen alligators, manatees and wild hogs to name a few. Even when I went hiking or camping in New York, for better or for worse, I didn’t really see wild animals like bears or moose roaming around.
Animals, nature and wildlife are some of my favorite subjects to photograph.

It’s no secret that  Florida has alligators. I photographed this guy on a recent trip to the Merritt Island Wildlife refuge, which you can read about here.

Alligator in the Sun Posters by ValeriesGallery

My husband and I were just about done with the wild life drive when we spotted this guy sunning himself. My husband pulled over so that I could snap a few pics. (Luckily I have a great lens that allows me to shoot wild life without getting really close and disturbing them.) I was amazed by the size of this reptile!

He appeared not to have a care in the world and didn’t seem to notice I was there. A few other people also stopped to get some photographs of him.

Did you know?

• On Merritt Island (not near the Wildlife refuge), there is an alligator that lives under a car dealership.  If you go car shopping there, they will proudly tell you about him and you can see him through a sewer grate if he’s around.  (Don’t worry, he’s not in any danger or anything.)
• The gator is the mascot for the University of Florida.  His name is Albert.
• I am not a Gator, but a Cane having received my masters from the University of Miami.
• In Orlando, there is an attraction called Gatorland and it has an entrance shaped like an alligator’s head! (Unfortunately, I’ve never been there, but hopefully this will be corrected at some point in the future.)
• Alligator in the Sun is available at Valerie’s Gallery at Zazzle, Red Bubble, Skreened and Imagekind

What’s your favorite subject to photograph?  Let us know in the comments!

A huge thanks to Imagekind for promoting my piece, Maneki Neko Kitty Pop Art in a promotional email. Also, a huge thanks to Online Gift Ideas for promoting some of  my Boss’s Day dinosaur items.

Here’s some more alligator and Florida artwork by talented artist for you to enjoy:

Florida Gator Head – Color Mug by UniversityofFlorida	Alligators. Mousepad by Animal_Art_By_Ali	Crocodile iPhone 5 Covers by TheBooth
Florida Lighthouse T-Shirt by FalconsEye	TEE Miami by teepossible	Florida Sunset Laptop Speakers by Florida_Living
Alligator Mouse Pad by idesigncafe	Outline drawing of young alligator tshirts by Cherylsart	A happy crocodile courier bags by greendeer
Funky pink Florida flamingo travel postcard by myworldtravels	Vintage Florida Postcard by vintage_gift_shop at Zazzle	Alligator in the Water Award by ValeriesGallery

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is located in North Brevard County, which is on Florida’s east coast, near the Kennedy Space Center.  There is an entrance in Titusville (located in Brevard County) and Oak Hill (located in Volusia County).

Alligator in the Water Canvas Prints by ValeriesGallery

The refuge is a great place to see wildlife!  I’ve seen alligators, roseate spoonbills, herons and so much more! It’s really awesome to be able to see the animals in their natural habitat.  I love the variety because nature and wildlife are some of my favorite things to photograph.

In addition to the hiking trails,  I also recommend driving down Black Point Wildlife Drive.  (There is a small fee, but it’s totally worth it!) There are several spots available to stop and observe the plant and wildlife.  (And bonus, there’s also a public bathroom!)

Reddish Egret Poster by ValeriesGallery

The Merritt Island National Wildlife refuge is a great place for photographers and non photographers a like. I recommend going in the winter because the weather is beautiful then.  (In the summer, not only is it brutally hot and muggy, you also have to worry about afternoon storms!)

Where are some places you like to take photographs?  Share in the comments!

A big thanks to Goosebury  for featuring my Bee on Sunflower Ornament on the Home Accents Blog.

And here’s some Florida inspired artwork from other artist you may enjoy!

ABH Everglades Necklace by teepossible	Lighted Palm Tree Card by Elaine Plesser	Rainbow over river bridge with seagull photo postcard by SusansZooCrew ©Susan L. Marsh
I love Florida Key Chain by Astriddesign	Greetings from Florida oranges card by © Pamela Jorgensen/PamJArts	Florida Manatees Print by VintagePosterDesigns
Santa Claus With Flag Of Florida Post Cards by Emangl3D	Florida Lighthouse T-Shirt by FalconsEye	Florida Keys Map retro illustration Shirt by aquatangerine

For those of you that don’t know, The Gherkin is the nickname for 30 St. Mary Axe located in London, England.  From my understanding, the nickname came about because of the building’s unique shape.

The Gherkin T-shirt by ValeriesGallery
Check out other The gerkin T-Shirts at zazzle.com

This photograph was taken when my husband and I visited London a few years ago.  My brother in law was transferred there for a little while and we went to visit him. (This was also the start of my obsession with all things British!) We noticed this building while walking around the Southwark district.  (The building itself is located in the district known as The City of London.)

I’ve also been told that there is a building somewhere else in England called The Dalek.  As a Dr. Who fan, I totally want to see it!

Do you know of any other unique buildings?  Where?  Share in the comment section!

My Gherkin photograph can be found on a variety of products in Valerie’s Gallery on Zazzle, RedBubble, Skreened and Imagekind.

Here’s some London, travel and architecture from various other artist you may enjoy!

I Love London England Fridge Magnet by cdandc	Love under the rainy sky of London. card by Silvina De Vita	Big Ben London Tote Bags by VintagePosterDesigns
Walrus vacations, [on vacation …] postcards by greendeer	Bon Voyage! Funny French Painter Squirrel card by ©Doreen Erhardt	Got The World At My Feet (Fine Art Print) by HoMeArts
Vector Cityscape & Sky Blue Background Cases For iPhone 4 by designsfromscratch	Retirement – Relax – Alphabet Art card by ABC by Sue	Grunge Union Jack – classic – vintage look Tee Shirts by hutsul