Photography Outing to the Historic Collinsville Civil War Days
- 4711 Weakley Road, Southside, TN
- Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Meet at 10:00 am
- Meet at the Visitor Center
- Admission is $10
- Optional Group Lunch - On site
4711 Weakley Road, Southside, TN
- Fast Shutter Speeds & Panning: Try a fast shutter speed (1/1000 or faster) to freeze cannon fire, flying dirt, and musket smoke. Or slow things down and pan with the action to show movement in the cavalry drills.
- Shallow Depth-of-Field Portraiture: A wide-aperture lens like a 50mm or 85mm at f/1.8 or f/2.8 can help you isolate one reenactor or artisan and blur out the background for a clean, simple portrait.
- Black-and-White Conversions: The weathered log cabins, wool uniforms, and open fields look especially good in black and white. In post processing, an infrared preset can also help create a dramatic contrast between the June foliage and the dark wood buildings.
- Tickets: $10 for age 13+
- Optional group lunch on site for anyone wanting to stay for the live battle reenactment at 2pm.
Overview
The Nashville Zoo, a perennial favorite, is home to over 3,700 animals representing more than 350 species. In March, the temperate weather should keep the animals active and alert, rather than lethargic from the heat. Keep an eye out for newly arrived babies! You might spot Red Pandas and Andean Bears climbing in their habitats or Tigers more visible in their exhibit.
Also – Don’t miss the NEW Leopard Forest which features the endangered Amur leopard and the return of the giraffes. This area includes an “overhead bridge” where leopards can walk above you – perfect for dramatic low-angle shots as well as a leopard-viewing building and numerous observation points.
We will meet at 9:00 AM to take advantage of the soft morning light, which is flattering for capturing the fur and feathers of the animals. Bring your telephoto lens to photograph all your favorite animals. Practice portraits and close ups or perhaps use fast shutter speeds to capture shy ones. Work with depth of field to isolate your subject. Don’t miss the Kangaroo Kickabout, where you can try extreme close-ups for wide-angle “environmental portraits.”
Some technique tips:
- The Fence Vanishing Act: Set your camera to Aperture Priority and use the widest aperture. Get your lens as close to the mesh as possible; the shallow depth of field will make the fence disappear.
- Nail the Eyes: If your camera has Animal Eye AF, turn it on. If not, use Spot Focus and lock onto the eye. A photo of a tiger is just “okay,” but one with sharp eyes is a masterpiece.
- Eliminate Glass Reflections: Reflections can ruin photos of reptiles and fish. Use a collapsible rubber lens hood and press it against the glass to seal out light behind you, making the glass disappear. If needed, try Lightroom’s Remove Reflections feature.
Additional “animal” encounter – Try your hand at photos of life-size dinosaurs!
Dino Trek features over 20 animatronic dinosaurs, some towering over 20 feet tall and weighing more than 5,000 pounds. Located along a hidden path near the Historic Home, nearly 50 dinosaurs await. Tickets for Dino Trek are an additional $5 and can be purchased nearby or at the ticket desk.
Any questions, contact the Outings coordinator.
Admission Details
Admission: $29, Tickets (free for Zoo members)
Location: Nolensville Pike, about 17 min from Otter Creek Church.
Parking: Parking lot at entrance, $10 per car to park (free for members).
Family members: Family members are welcome to accompany you. We just need a Hold Harmless Agreement for each guest.
- Optional Group Lunch
– Edessa Restaurant
– 3802 Nolensville Pike
– View menu