A Close-up
A visitor looking on while this Silverback was enjoying a quick snack.
A visitor looking on while this Silverback was enjoying a quick snack.
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Oct, 2014Views
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Awards
Lucky 3 Award
People's Choice in Animals in Captivity Photo Challenge
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Peer Award
All Star
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on my first visit to the Miami Zoo in Miami, FL.Time
This is one of my favorite images, taken February 9, 2014 late in the morning while the caregivers were still making their rounds providing breakfast. The Gorillas were walking around and I was able to get a number of good shots. This female was cozied up in a private corner enjoying her breakfast with a young visitor looking on through the viewing glass.Lighting
This image was taken in its natural lighting. The shadow provided by the corner space as well as the time of day provided the perfect setting.Equipment
This was shot on my Canon EOS Rebel T3i with a Canon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens. No other equipment was used.Inspiration
Because of my love for animals, I have visited a number of Zoos throughout North America. This was my first visit to the Miami Zoo. I was like a kid on Christmas morning; we couldn’t get there fast enough. I have always been fascinated by the Gorilla. As we approached the viewing area, all Gorillas were out and very active, it was feeding time. I began taking photos of the male Silverback. I turned from the Silverback and noticed this female Gorilla in the corner eating her breakfast. Timing is everything. I turned and there they were. They both seemed so at ease and very comfortable. It wasn’t until I got home and viewed my images, did I realize how well I captured and framed this event.Editing
I did some post processing. Because she was sitting in the shadow, I needed to make basic adjustments within the shadows, whites and blacks balance of this file. I also sharpened the image a bit.In my camera bag
I keep four lenses in my bag and one on the camera body. My zoom lenses consist of a 70-300mm and two prime lenses – 50mm and 85mm. The lens usually on my camera body is my 18-200mm, which will go fairly wide while providing a zoom.Feedback
Look at the surroundings around the animal you want to photograph, the colors, the pose, the activity. Get in as close as you can to capture as much detail as possible. Focus on the eyes, this will create a connection between the animal and the viewer. And get down on their level whenever possible.
