Dough this is a great shot. I know these monkeys are macaques but not sure if they live in Hokkaido, Japan.
I do know that they go into thermal waters to get a brake from the brutal cold weather.
If you are interested, John Shaw has some very beautiful shots of these animals in his website.
William Rodriguez
Miami, Florida.
Mr Zoom wrote:
That's a great shot, Doug. Might be able to sell this one to a dentist office
Ken
hahahah
This is a really nice shot. What a cool moment to capture. I assume you shot these guys in Japan? Can you give a little info on your experience? This has always been something I've wanted to do.
I have been twice - it is an easy place to get to by bullet train from Tokyo. There is a brisk forest walk to get to the photo area and the images available are numerous. The lighting is mostly blocked out by the hills. If you go pray for lots of snow. The best part is you don't need to lug long lenses through the forest or like me you will only do it once. A tripod is not needed but there are times it works for you. There is no food so you have to bring in something if you are staying all day. It is about $5 to get in most people come and go all day - serious photographers stay the day usually about 8 to 10 are there.
When I go I am usually heading for the Cranes and Sea eagles in Northern Japan. Two full days should get all the images you desire with lots of interaction.
The last time I was there the BBC was filming a major documentary on Snow monkeys both at Nagano and camping a month way up in the mountains with another troop. They plan to have it on in January 09.
Much to see here for what looks like a simple shot. Great color, wonderful details, excellent eye contact and expression, interesting water detailing, and am drawn to in to see what the tooth check-up is all about.
