Sykes's Monkey

[Pieter de Waal]

100328

Known as the Samango Monkey in S.A. Longer haired and larger than the more common Vervet Monkey and only found in isolated forest areas on the East Coast.
We were fortunate to have a troop foraging in the treetops around our chalet in Hluhluwe and I was able to photograph them from the upstairs area. Would have liked a less busy BG but that is their habitat and I was happy to get a clear view without interfering leaves and branches.

EOS30D 100-400 at 260mm f11@1/320 Slight crop and rotation.

C&C most welcome

[Hilary Hann]

Pieter, I like the way you've framed the monkey here. The direct eye contact and the raised hand gives some added interest. I don't think the busy background detracts at all as it is suitably oof and breaks up what could have been a very distracting, bright sky. I think it is a very nice image.

[Harshad Barve]

one lovely image of lovely monkey in nice habitat , VWD
TFS

[dankearl]

I don't mind the BG at all, I like real habitat photos, it is reality.
Beautiful and well captured eyes.

[Dumay de Boulle]

Great species...Never seen one before...TFS

[Robert Amoruso]

Nice clear view, good DOF and the head-on look with the morsel near the mouth all combine for an excellent image.

[Rachel Hollander]

I think the habitat adds to the image. Great pose with the hand almost to the mouth and nice eye contact. I like the comp with the tail extending into the llc. Well done.

TFS,
Rachel

[DanWalters]

Like the eye contact and the food in the hand. The OOF branches are not distracting and them show the habitat well.

[Marina Scarr]

What an awesome environmental feel yet you didn't get branches that really distracted which I can't imagine was easy. I love the way he is looking right at you and the inclusion of some behavior is a huge plus.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Pieter, the raised hand to his mouth makes this image, together with the eye contact. Glad you managed a clear shot, and agree, that the BG doesnt distract. ( didnt know we had these guys here :w3 )

[Pieter de Waal]

Thank you all for looking and your kind comments, very much appreciated.

[Morkel Erasmus]

Lovely image Pieter - a primate I know occurs in our country yet I have not seen one...
:bg3:
I would try toning down the BG brightness some?