Far Away Eyes
I sat and watched this gorilla for what seemed like hours. His far away gaze drew me in. A sadness came over me because it was as if his gaze was a dream of go...
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I sat and watched this gorilla for what seemed like hours. His far away gaze drew me in. A sadness came over me because it was as if his gaze was a dream of going home.
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Sep, 2016Views
612
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Awards
Winner in Animal Close Ups Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Magnificent Capture
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo on a visit to the St. Louis Zoo last September. Zoos have a very special place in my heart. For a large percentage of people the zoo is the only place to see such magnificent wildlife species. Most will never experience seeing them in their home habitat. Zoos are crucial in the preservation of such precious creatures.Time
This was taken midday on a sunny September day.Lighting
Being at the zoo and in tight quarters behind the glass viewing windows did not afford me the luxury to play with the lighting. I only had the natural light, but in this shot the lighting worked well to highlight the gorillas fur. I also like the way the shadows fell on his face. It draws you to the eyes.Equipment
On this day I used a Nikon D3200. I had a 55-300mm zoom attached. No flash was needed and I handheld this shot.Inspiration
Let me tell you about my inspiration! I love animals. I am in awe of the strength, beauty, majesty and all other aspects of wildlife. For this shot I was inspired by two other gorillas that I was watching. I literally sat down on the ground in the viewing area poised with my camera hoping for them to come closer. Then the gorilla in this shot came across my view very close and stopped right in front of me. I was truly moved to tears when I saw his eyes. He seemed to show me through his expression that he wanted to go home. Thus the title, "Far away eyes". It was an amazing moment for me.Editing
Believe it or not, I only cropped the image slightly and converted to black and white. I am a beginner, especially in the world of editing, but I am learning as I go. Viewbug is a great community for someone like me to learn and grow!In my camera bag
Currently I carry my Nikon D3200. I always have an extra battery, just in case. The lenses in my bag include a 55-300mm zoom, 40mm 2.8 Nikkor, 18-55 kit lens. The tripod is usually in tow. You never know when you might need it! Lens cleaning pen, rain poncho, and snacks have their own special place in my backpack style camera bag.Feedback
I typically seek advice from more seasoned photographers. If I had to give advice to a beginner such as myself, I would have to say, "learn your camera!" Learn the fundamentals of the basics. They are the foundation you will build on. Be patient. Great shots come with a lot of patience. Above all, have fun. If you are enjoying what you are shooting, it will show in the finished project. Happy shooting!
