Andy Biggs
11-19-2009, 03:04 PM
http://www.andybiggs.com/Misc/10272009_082358_Mahale0017.jpg
Chimpanzee, Mahale Mountains, Tanzania
October 2009
Nikon D300, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR, 1/160 @ f/2.8, ISO 1250
I just returned from a *fantastic* safari in Tanzania, my home away from home. This was one of my most favorite safaris to-date, as photographing primates is a unique experience that requires a unique approach towards photography. Shooting in a dark forest is likely the most difficult type of photography I can think of, because I have to always balance high ISO and high noise images with depth of field and how to expose. I have tried many different exposure techniques for this type of photography, and I have never settled on a perfect all-in-one approach. This image was challenging mostly because of his extremely fast movements in subpar light. So I shot in manual mode to balance an ISO value of 1250 and a 1/160 shutter speed. I would either take a spot meter off of his face (difficult when he moved around) or would shoot and use the histogram (best approach).
These are very wild animals in a wild environment. This particular troop was habituated in the 1960's by Japanese researchers, and they are in no way tame animals.
By the way, his name is Darwin. :D
Chimpanzee, Mahale Mountains, Tanzania
October 2009
Nikon D300, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR, 1/160 @ f/2.8, ISO 1250
I just returned from a *fantastic* safari in Tanzania, my home away from home. This was one of my most favorite safaris to-date, as photographing primates is a unique experience that requires a unique approach towards photography. Shooting in a dark forest is likely the most difficult type of photography I can think of, because I have to always balance high ISO and high noise images with depth of field and how to expose. I have tried many different exposure techniques for this type of photography, and I have never settled on a perfect all-in-one approach. This image was challenging mostly because of his extremely fast movements in subpar light. So I shot in manual mode to balance an ISO value of 1250 and a 1/160 shutter speed. I would either take a spot meter off of his face (difficult when he moved around) or would shoot and use the histogram (best approach).
These are very wild animals in a wild environment. This particular troop was habituated in the 1960's by Japanese researchers, and they are in no way tame animals.
By the way, his name is Darwin. :D