Lemur Portrait
May, 2016Views
153
Likes
Awards
People's Choice in Mothers with Babies Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
All Star
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
Superb Composition
Categories
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Behind The Lens
Location
i worked as a zoo keeper and these ringtail lemurs were some of my charges. I was in the enclosure with this mother and baby, and they were quite comfortable with my presence.Time
This photo was taken between 8 AM and noon; the hours I was cleaning out the lemurs' enclosures.Lighting
I used the available natural daylight for illumination of the subject and in post production, I blackened the background using Photoshop.Equipment
I kept a pocket Canon D10 with me during my keeper duties for moments like this. Because I was doing my job first and shooting second, I kept the camera on automatic and used it hand held since I was in confined spaces and "shot from the hip".Inspiration
I LOVE the lemurs. They were very accepting of my presence and went about their normal activities once they ate the treats I provided. Probably the hardest part of getting a good photograph was getting them far enough away from me to have more than an extreme close up.Editing
Post processing involved cropping, then using the brush tool in Photoshop to black out the background and isolate my subjects.In my camera bag
I primarily use my Nikon D300 and three lenses: 28-80mm, 12-24mm wide angle, and 70-300mm zoom. For travel and quick shots, I use my trusty old Canon D10.Feedback
Don't be in a hurry when capturing animals. They have to get used to you being in their territory and relax enough to assume their natural behaviors. I never plan on getting any decent shot within the first half hour, whether taking pictures of my zoo charges or doing pet photography. I always tell a client to expect me to just "hang" for 30 minutes with their pet before I take a single picture. They are often like little children that have to "show off" for visitors initially.
