We've all seen many, many images of the Snow Monkeys... but I can't remember seeing a better set of images than yours Joshua.
Technically they are excellent with perfect exposures showing beautiful color and amazing detail, and your compositions frame your subjects in a captivating way.
1, 3, and 6 are my favorites, but all contribute equally to your compelling story of these Snow Monkeys.
Masterful work Joshua!
AGeoJO wrote:
First off, these are from several years back when I did the trip in the winter to Japan. Although I spent quite a bit of time in bitterly cold Hokkaido for the Stellar eagles, snow cranes, etc. but I did make it to visit Jigokudani (Hell's Valley) on the main island, Honshu for the snow monkey. What a wonderful experience it was! I ended up spending more time than original planned at that location.
Yes, it was cold and the hot water pool that provides comfort is well loved by the snow monkeys. The pool is controlled by the dominant clan and only members of that extended family can take advantage of the warmth the onsen (hot water pool) offers. All others have to just stay at the edge and just get a little warmth from the rising surrounding air. And the dominant clan defends the onsen vigorously and will attack "offenders". When I was there, the temperature dropped in the afternoon and it was quite windy, too. These "outsiders" could just huddled closely, clutching their young close to them to get some comfort from each others.
When I was there, there were some 10 photographers on and off. Most of them used longer lenses and that's what I set out to do. And after a while, I tried to venture into using an ultra wide angle zoom lens but I approached them really closely; slowly first and without any threatening gesture, of course. Somehow, the hot water in the pool makes them relax enough to let me do that. There was German photographer that saw me do that and he did the same. Again, in the name of getting a different perspective.
Thank you for stopping by and please feel free to leave any feedback,
Joshua...Show more →
Awestruck! You caught so many emotions Joshua! Beautiful work.
Joshua, terrific photos of these snow monkeys. I enjoyed hearing about the dominance issues you observed at the hot water pool. These were a treat to behold!
Fascinating photos Joshua. Wildlife photos are so much better when they show emotion. This sequence has that in spades. The eyes, the demeanor - just on display. Thanks for posting.
Dave_E wrote:
Joshua you have a different 7D than I had the detail is amazing.
Dave
Dave, you looked up the exif, huh ? I am replying to your post first then. Yes, I took that trip when I was still using the Canon system. And there was nothing wrong with that system, at least most of the time. From time to time, the sensor showed its weakness under certain circumstances and if pushed to the limits. I paid a lot attention the micro focus adjustment on every lens and calibrated it frequently or at least, I checked it frequently. Fortunately, I don't have to do that anymore using a mirrorless system . Although I had my tripod then, I know for sure, the ultra wide angle images were taken handheld and frankly, I forgot which ones using other lenses were taken on the tripod and which were handheld.
kdacharya wrote:
Joshua,
these are unbelievable, looks like people were shooting inside the chain fence. just lovely. YGMV
KD, thank you very much for your kind words and support!
KirkB wrote:
We've all seen many, many images of the Snow Monkeys... but I can't remember seeing a better set of images than yours Joshua.
Technically they are excellent with perfect exposures showing beautiful color and amazing detail, and your compositions frame your subjects in a captivating way.
1, 3, and 6 are my favorites, but all contribute equally to your compelling story of these Snow Monkeys.
Masterful work Joshua!
Kirk
Kirk, I really appreciate your kind words. I am flattered that you like the images here.
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Another image from the snow monkey visit several years ago...
