Big Teeth
Aug, 2016Views
1348
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Awards
Zenith Award
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
Contest Finalist in Happening At The Zoo Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Superior Skill
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Ouwehands Dierenpark a zoo in Rhenen in The Netherlands. Most of the time I'm a wildlife photographer, but I also love to take pictures in a zoo because you can get closer to the animals, they are used to visitors and so it's easier to capture their behavior and facial expressions.Time
I captured this yawning Mandrill in the morning when he was not yet fully awake. At first there wasn't much action going on and this big male was staying in the accommodation for the night when a youngster started teasing him. He got so angry that he pursued it outside, but after a while he was tired and gave us a big yawn. I love taking pictures in the morning because the light is much softer, but I had to raise ISO to get a decent shutter speed. I didn't bring a tripod so I stabilized the camera on a fence.Lighting
The Mandrill was positioned in the shadow and there wasn't much light in the environment. I think lighting is always difficult when the subject has light parts and darker parts, because you search for a balance between to light and to dark. I usually use spot measuring to get good lighting on the subject and it is important that you don't measure the light on the darkest or lightest parts because that leads to under- or overexposure. I also try to get a catchlight in the eyes.Equipment
This shot was taken with a Canon EOS 7D Mark II in combination with a EF 100 - 400 mm F4.5/5.6 L IS USM II. I didn't use a tripod or a flash or anything else.Inspiration
This male Mandrill is such a magnificent animal ! So when I saw him I just had to take his portrait. I love his facial colors and of course I was thrilled when I saw his very impressive teeth that would give many dentists the shivers ! ;-) Those monkeys show so many facial expressions and are so interesting to observe that you just keep pressing the button and you always end up with some interesting pictures. All it takes is some patience !Editing
I always try to avoid post-processing by trying to take a good picture with the camera, but I usually have to do some minor adjustments. In this case I did a minor crop, enhanced the contrast, adjusted the white balance and enhanced the saturation. I also used curves to get a better balance between the light and darker parts.In my camera bag
I love to travel rather light, so most of the time I use the Canon Eos 7D Mark II in combination with the 100 - 400 mmm L. When I'm in for a journey in macro country then I use a 100 mm L F2.8 or a MPE - 65 mm lens in combination with A Canon 7D or the 7D Mark II. Now and then I try to capture some wide angle pictures with a 10 - 22 mm lens in combination with my first DSLR a Canon 40D. I still have a full frame DSLR on my wish list.Feedback
Wether you are photographing animals in a zoo or in the wild patience is always very important. When I'm waiting for some action I always try to study the environment and the light to get the best shot when something interesting happens. It is always important to stay focussed on your subject, because something interesting will happen and when you are not ready you will miss it ! After a while, when you observe many animals, you will be able to predict their behavior. So go find some animals, be patient and be ready to capture some great shots and have fun ! :-)
