Western Lowland Gorilla

[grumpybadger]

Here are a few from a recent trip to Port Lympne Zoo...

1. The Big Yawn

2. Here's Looking at You

3. Profile

4. Contemplation

5. Shifty

All with EOS 1D Mk II and 500mm f/4L IS and tripod.

As usual, any C&C appreciated

Thanks

Paul

 

[Cobra]

There are some cracking expressions there
I am sure I know the person in #5 though

 

[RobertP]

He looks more tired than dangerous

#2 stands out to me.

Quite like the soft furry look but I think I'd have sharpened them a bit more.

 

[InaGlo]

#1 & #2 are my pics.

1st is a fab capture ... but ewww! .... those minging teeth

2nd is a real classic ... love the eye contact!

 

[Dark Star]

#2 !!! What an expression! Great capture!

 

[moomike]

1st & last ones for me Paul, 1st because of the expression & the last because you have controlled the exposure very well & beneath the browline isn't dominated by shadow - very difficult subjects to photograph - especially against such a bright background & with the light looking the way it does. Very nicely done

 

[oldgit]

Well exposed, but far too cropped for me.

 

[grumpybadger]

Thanks for the comments guys. I think I have a different view of sharpness to many people and I think that probably comes from spending many years with films. I tend to bristle at over sharpened pictures and therefore probably err too far on the side of caution.

The pictures are tight but all are straight from camera (it's what a 500 does for you!) I also took a number of pics on shorter lenses but the enclosure is cluttered and I struggled to get anything to work for me. They had a concrete wall behind them and climbing frames - good for them but bad for photos.

Does this work better for you?

or this one?

I have to admit that one of the problems with the day was the very bright sun from behind - it was much easier to get a good exposure if not trying to get the silverback in!

Paul

 

[RobertP]

Hadn't really thought about how cropped they were but looking at these they do show the power of him as well as expressions.

 

[Bev]

Awsome animal, #2 is terrific, but they are all superb, the 500mm has been on my want list for quite some time, these pictures prove what a great lens this is.

 

[grumpybadger]

Thanks Bev. 500 is a new toy and I am getting as much practice in as I can before heading to Kenya in about a month!

Paul

 

[Lufbrarunner]

Great set Paul, a lovely looking animal, and I like the tight framing.

 

[Eric Mc]

No2 for me shows a wonderful animal a it's very best!