Something very different: Barbary Ape

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PaulC
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p.1 #1 · Something very different: Barbary Ape

Hello! I must say, I don't often post in the Nature and Wildlife forum, instead more often sticking to the b/w forum where I am more known. I thought that I would venture in today though with something that I think is quite different from what is the norm here, hopefully it's OK.

I couple things led me to the creation of this image, the first being a trip to the Toronto Zoo, where I've just gotten a 2 year membership. The second was that I just completed watching a tutorial put out by young photographer Joey LJoey L Joey is a very young photographer (18 now, I think? - I say very young as he is younger than me at 21) but quite successful. I like his style so I though I would check it out. Turns out I do much of my post processing work the same way as him, at least the base steps. I did learn some cool tidbits from the approximately 2 hours of video though. The thing is, Joey shoots people, whereas I mostly shoot landscapes and animals (I'm currently working on a series of animal faces, 30-50 images). I thought I would venture and try to cross our type of work with this image.

This is a barbary ape. Again, I know this is quite different from what is usually posted here, with images seeming to be more about the animals than the picture as whole, with little processing.

C&C is much appreciated though, I hope you enjoy it.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Edited on Aug 08, 2008 at 04:02 AM

Aug 08, 2008 at 03:48 AM

Lil Judd
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p.1 #2 · Something very different: Barbary Ape

Paul,

though conceptually I see & understand where you're going with this I would like to share a few thoughts with you...

1, this is the Nature & Wildlife forum. We tend to prefer natural settings - this is a zoo shot.

2, when most of us post zoo shots we strive to make them look as little as possible as a zoo - we tend to try to eliminate the "zoo-look"

I guess if what you're trying to tell us is how bad animals can have it in a zoo - this shot really speaks of it.

Personally I find it sad & depressing. Still - it is a style, but unfortunately it does not appeal to me. I feel for this poor ape.

Good luck

Lil

Aug 08, 2008 at 05:35 AM

Raindrop_333
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p.1 #3 · Something very different: Barbary Ape

I like the composition in this.

Jenna

Aug 08, 2008 at 06:59 AM

PaulC
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p.1 #4 · Something very different: Barbary Ape

Thank you for your comments Lil and Jenna.

Lil, points taken. I did not know where would be best to post this image - as I said, normally I would convert to b/w and stick around that forum but I did not on this occasion. I can understand that this image no longer conveys 'wildlife' though.

- As far as completely eliminating the zoo look, I completely understand. The precise reason I went to the zoo was to continue to work on my 'animal faces' series, which, while not completely concerned about surroundings nevertheless I would prefer to not have them obvious. On the walk around the place though I saw this guy from afar and fired off 4 frames with something like this in mind. Technically this is the reality of zoos. I also think they do a lot of good though in terms of rehabiliation programs, education et al. The Toronto Zoo itself is Canada's premier zoo being known for its interactive education and conservation experiences, which is a good thing. Always too sides to look at the zoo though I suppose. Perhaps this image would fit better in the city, still life and abstract forum because of the treatment of the subject manner?

- Indeed Zoos can affect our emotions. I suspect that a fair amount of people, after getting over the first "ooo, an exotic animal' thoughts, feel for the animals in captivity. I do, but still try to remember the good the zoo does - without visitors, it would not be able to accomplish anything.

Thank you very much for your comments. I hope my reply was not negative in the least as it was certainly not meant to be.

Aug 08, 2008 at 01:47 PM

Genes Home
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p.1 #5 · Something very different: Barbary Ape

First, the picture is almost unbearably sad........wouldn't be quite so bad, except your caption hit the issue squarely on the head from my viewpoint.

Second, Please continue posting your pictures here. You have depicted a side of nature that is an integral part of human culture on this planet, and I think it is appropriate for them to be here.

As you say above, there are two sides to every equation, and all the good zoos do for education and wildlife preservations is sometimes offset by animals living in less than acceptable conditions.

I see no harm, and perhaps some significant good, with the display of captive animals on this forum, as long as they are appropriately described (which you did).

As to the technical merits of the photo, I might have added some light or brightened it up a bit, but the muted tone of it as posted helps sets the (very dreary) tone.

Aug 08, 2008 at 02:02 PM

PaulC
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p.1 #6 · Something very different: Barbary Ape

Thank you for your comments Genes. I will certainly explore adding some brightness - I thought it looked OK when I processed it last night but after a nights sleep I agree with you.

Aug 08, 2008 at 03:56 PM


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