Ape Hand with Butterfly
Contrast between freedom and captivity
Contrast between freedom and captivity
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Canon EOS REBEL T4i
Aperture f/6.3 ISO 2000 Shutter 1/400 Focal Length 278/1 
Jacksonville, Florida, US
Jul, 2019Views
673
Likes
Awards
Winner in Thought Provoking Photo Challenge
Winner in A story in one photo Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Top Choice
Genius
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Emotions
Impressed
Sad
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankCategories
PRO+
Bazz
November 18, 2020
Fantastic image! Wonderful detail. Thank you for joining my "Zoo Animals" challenge! Good Luck!
SIIIVisuals
December 18, 2020
That's fire ! I don't see any other way to capture a natural emotion without a facial expression in the frame along with the contrast of a beautiful butterfly! This is on the verge of Henri Cartier-Bresson vibe; "The Decisive Moment"
Ultimate
PRO+
carolinecournoyergalt
November 25, 2021
well deserved with this one ! the longer I look the more I feel.
Ultimate
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the Jacksonville Zoo. Im not normally a fan of zoos or caged animals. It tends to break my heart, in spite of the good work they do in research and caring for rescued animals. Everyone was clambering to see the new baby gorilla.Time
It was a beautiful summer day, around noon, with the sun directly overhead.Lighting
This chimp was on the far side of the primate area, all alone. She was in the shadows, but there was light coming in slightly across the top of her hand. Sometimes things just work together for the good and you get a great shot without much effort.Equipment
I used my Canon EOS Rebel T4i with a 70-300 mm zoom lens. The caged area was a good distance away, so this lens is perfect for capturing those up close and personal shots.Inspiration
After spending a couple of hours at the zoo, we came upon the primate area. There was a new baby gorilla everyone was excited about. The mother was keeping the baby well hidden from view, but I came upon this female chimp hanging from the fence rocking back and forth. She looked so unhappy. I took multiple pictures of her, zooming in on her hand, which was such a haunting image for me. It hurt my soul. Then this butterfly landed right in the shot next to her hand. The contrast between captive and freedom was a jolt. I've looked at this shot so many times and it still is profound to me. The only thing separating the two is wire.Editing
I did not have to do much at all to this picture. I adjusted the contrast slightly.In my camera bag
I have a Canon backpack that holds all the equipment I need and is comfortable to carry. I have my Canon EOS Rebel T4i which is a great camera for me since I'm not on the staff of Nat Geo. I always have several lenses with me, my 70-300 mm lens which I love dearly and it has helped me get some amazing shots. I have my standard 18-55mm lens, and a wide angle lens which takes amazing panoramic shots. It is also perfect for interior residential photography, which I have done a lot of over the years. I use a tripod whenever possible and practical. I have a pouch for essentials like battery charger, external flash, and of course, lipstick.Feedback
Taking photographs of animals is one of my favorite things. You have to wander away from the mobs taking the normal touristy pictures. The outskirts of the action is where I always find the most wonderful and provocative things. I look for the unusual, the forgotten, and I always find it. I'm also a minister who has spent a great deal of time with the homeless. The greatest opportunities to love and encourage someone is never in the center of the crowd, but aways on the outskirts where the lost and forgotten hide. This image speaks to the theme of my life and I am grateful for the chance to shine light on those who need love and a path to freedom.
