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Thread: Chimpanzee, Mahale Mountains, Tanzania

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    Default Chimpanzee, Mahale Mountains, Tanzania



    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

  2. #2
    Todd Frost
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    Stunning portrait, techs are spot on. Love the b/w conversion.
    Todd

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    A lovely portrait Andy...I like the bright OOF BKG gives a lovely halo effect...

    only one suggestion that is to lower the exposure a tad on face to bring out even more detail..

    peter

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    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    lovely textures, pose and conversion. I can imagine this type of shooting being very challenging...
    I agree with Peter above on darkening the face to recover some detail.
    Morkel Erasmus

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  5. #5
    Fabs Forns
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    Very nice study of the face, with great choice of palette. TFS.

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    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    Great portrait, and your B&W conversion works very well. Another vote for darkening the face a touch.

  7. #7
    DanWalters
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    Love the BW and the details in the chimpanzee. Great portrait.

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