TheTravelingSquirrel
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Awards
Staff Winter Selection 2015
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
One of the nicest zoos I have been to also happens to be a free zoo, one of the few remaining free zoos in the US. The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is one of the nation's oldest, having been founded in 1868 and it is always a delight to visit. There are over 1000 animals and you will never see them in the same way twice.Time
I was lucky enough to adventure out on a cold day in the winter when no one was around. This guy was just sitting on his branch and looking around. The glass was clear so I was able to get a good shot of him. As soon as I clicked the camera, he ran off to do whatever was more important in the monkey world, leaving me with a great shot.Lighting
The lighting that day was bright and even as it was cloudy. The light came in from above but filled up the whole space.Equipment
This was shot with my Nikon D7100 with my Nikkor 18-200mm zoom lens. The ISO was 800, aperture 5.6 and the speed was 1/30. I pressed the lens firmly against the glass to hold the camera steady.Inspiration
I love going to the zoo in the off season. The monkeys are so fun to watch and their expressions mimic those of humans. I always wonder what it is they are thinking!Editing
Minimal processing was needed for this photo.In my camera bag
I cannot live without my camera, the Nikon D7100. I have been a Nikon fan since my first film camera, the Nikon Nikkormat. I carry my prime 35mm with me and my wide angle, but I do shoot a lot of my favorites with the 18-200 zoom. It is good to have on hand for when the unexpected happens. I try to be ready for anything.Feedback
The zoo is a great place to work on several different techniques. The animals move, they are behind glass, the lighting can be strange, there are people in your way. I cannot think of a better way to practice and learn to take pictures under so many conditions. But with patience, you can achieve your desired photo and have fun at the same time.