JPG Magazine: Photos: "Weathered Eye" by John Leonard

Weathered Eye

By John Leonard

On 10 April 2008

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The moody old chimpanzee tried to ignore me. I sat and waited most of the day. Just calmly resting my camera and taking the occasional picture. He started to become interested in what I was doing.

I'm sure the old chimp was use to cameras and people. Such is the life of an animal behind glass. This particular chimp had a reputation for throwing not only temper tantrums, but also rocks, sticks, and anything else he could find. So much so that the zoo had to replace the glass divider with a thicker taller one for the safety of the guests and animals.

He came over to me and did not become aggravated as is his character. He was curious about me. Why was I just sitting there? What was I doing? What were these things I was holding? I did not lift my camera or move. I just sat. I waited for another hour. The chimp becoming ever the more curious.

He finally came back to me. He sat down and leaned against the glass. He then lifted his hand and placed it against the glass. I lifted my empty hand and placed it against the glass. We sat there for just a moment that way. He then turned and squared his body to mine. He lifted his head. And in that moment he looked into my eyes with an understanding of calm. In that split second of Understanding I lifted my camera. I only got two frames before the chimp turned away. They may be the two most memorable frames I have ever shot.

33 Responses

On 10 April 2008 Frédéric Frognier gave props:
Awesome capture! My fav'
On 10 April 2008 Jessica Hardin gave props:
Very awesome photo! Love the comp on this and the story behind it. Wonderful patience you have and it shows in the photo. Definately has my vote!
On 10 April 2008 Ken Takahashi gave props:
Great capture
On 11 April 2008 Cindy Coubrough gave props:
Amazing photo and amazing story. Thank you for sharing. =)
On 15 April 2008 Jeremy Farr gave props:
Awesome photo! You should really do more to promote your images.
On 15 April 2008 Ken Maurer gave props:
This closeup is very emotive, showing the short gap the exists between creatures and man. Good luck!
On 16 April 2008 serge rolland said:
poor animal.. if people did not go to zoo, they would not exist.
On 16 April 2008 Greg Hill gave props:
excellent focus, sharp eye!
On 17 April 2008 Caroline Hancox said:
this is a stunning photo, love it
On 17 April 2008 Amy Evenson gave props:
fabulous story and a powerful, emotional image. Phenominal work!!
On 17 April 2008 David Jennings gave props:
A wonderful story and excellent image, thanks for sharing
On 18 April 2008 boland rotor gave props:
works as hell!! my vote
On 21 April 2008 Ben Lawrence gave props:
The tender detail knock me out. This has to get published!
On 23 April 2008 Stacey Debono gave props:
This is even better with your story....awesome capture, wonderfully unique perspective, strong emotive elements, and great techs. Doesn't get much better than this! Voted for sure!!
On 24 April 2008 byGin said:
Very touching story and powerful shot.
On 24 April 2008 Michelle M gave props:
Wow! Great shot. I can see the wisdom and age in his eyes.
On 24 April 2008 Andrew Shuff gave props:
Intense..Very nice photograph
On 25 April 2008 Andrew JK Tan gave props:
Bold & Brilliant shot.
On 26 April 2008 Dingo gave props:
one of the coolest creature shots i've seen, your experience with him just adds so much more to it.
On 26 April 2008 Robin Smith gave props:
amazing story and perfect shot!!
On 1 May 2008 Nick Edens gave props:
Your story really helps set a mood for the photo. A nice photo and explination.
On 1 May 2008 Laurie Search gave props:
Wow, wow, wow. The story is beautiful, as is this photo of this magificent creature. What a rare, special moment for you. And I love the composition and the detail. Just awesome.
On 4 May 2008 liz van den berg said:
eyes are the window to the soul, i think you caught this in your shot, well done for your patience and respect
On 4 May 2008 Eric Anderson gave props:
Oh my goodness! Mind=blown.
On 8 May 2008 Kathleen Barton gave props:
Super shot - more than words can say
On 12 May 2008 Courtney Brown gave props:
I agree completely with Amy; also this picture is great for this theme! my vote for sure.
On 15 May 2008 Jessica Hollenback gave props:
Amazing capture, its great to be paitient sometimes.
On 16 May 2008 Claus Petersen said:
It looks angry, and it makes me a bit afraid!
On 17 May 2008 Scott Eagle gave props:
Stunnine, your patience paid off well, what a shot.
On 26 May 2008 Linda Merz gave props:
Very dramatic. That special moment you will never forget. A picture says a thousand words, but your photograph speaks volumes here.
On 29 May 2008 F. J. Sochacki, Jr. gave props:
people say timing is everything, but they mean usually just a split second. way to take as much time as the shot needed.
On 2 June 2008 Gabe Maxson gave props:
Has my VOTE!
On 5 June 2008 George Constantine gave props:
Unbelievable!!!!