Jose Cartas
February 2021 - Snow Monkey
About the Image(s)
The photo was taken in the Nagano (Japan) Snow Monkey Park. It was mid-November (2018), so no snow. However, the hot springs still produced very interesting effects, and the monkeys seemed to enjoy the warm water. For this portrait I decided to include more of the environment, rather than to crop tightly on the main subject. I darkened a little the rocks in the background and added some vignetting. Technical specifications: 300mm. lens, 1/200 sec. at f/6.3, ISO 800, handheld.
5 comments posted
I love the expression on this monkey's face. It's almost begging for a funny caption. :) Posted: 02/06/2021 08:54:54
I recall some of your other Snow Monkey images and they were equally special, just as this one. The face and expression are priceless (perhaps it's thinking "really?!" like I've been saying for months now). To me, the image is flawless. Nice background, catch-light in eyes and wonderful details in the fur and face. Great nature image! Posted: 02/08/2021 19:36:13
This is a very special image. I agree with the others that the expression is priceless and the details are very nice in the fur and face!
If this was my image.. and it would be an image for a open themed contest, I would probably try to do some more burning of the rocks in the background and vignetting, to give more emphasis to the monkey's face and reduce the distraction of the area around the rocks (my eye still wants to go there), or you could even clone the area of water from the right to the left (where the rocks are). If this would be an image for the ND division, then maybe a bit more burning to lessen the impact of the brighter areas would be ok.. but the image in itself is already a great image! Posted: 02/08/2021 21:58:16
If this was my image.. and it would be an image for a open themed contest, I would probably try to do some more burning of the rocks in the background and vignetting, to give more emphasis to the monkey's face and reduce the distraction of the area around the rocks (my eye still wants to go there), or you could even clone the area of water from the right to the left (where the rocks are). If this would be an image for the ND division, then maybe a bit more burning to lessen the impact of the brighter areas would be ok.. but the image in itself is already a great image! Posted: 02/08/2021 21:58:16
I like this image taken in soft light with a blurred foreground and background. My eyes are attracted by the fur, the red face and the eyes of the monkey. You have placed its eyes in the sweet spot. A beautiful picture! Posted: 02/12/2021 09:36:51
I like the composition, but I find the rocks in the background a distraction, especially on the far left. I would recommend darkening it considerably.
The monkey itself is great, very sharp, and well placed. The eyes really stand out and well done with the highlights. Posted: 02/12/2021 12:50:52
The monkey itself is great, very sharp, and well placed. The eyes really stand out and well done with the highlights. Posted: 02/12/2021 12:50:52