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
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Frederic Frognier gave props (10 Apr 2008):
Awesome capture! My fav'
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Jessica Hardin gave props (10 Apr 2008):
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!
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Ken Takahashi gave props (10 Apr 2008):
Great capture
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Cindy Coubrough gave props (11 Apr 2008):
Amazing photo and amazing story. Thank you for sharing. =)
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Jeremy Farr gave props (15 Apr 2008):
Awesome photo! You should really do more to promote your images.
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Ken Maurer gave props (15 Apr 2008):
This closeup is very emotive, showing the short gap the exists between creatures and man. Good luck!
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serge rolland said (16 Apr 2008):
poor animal.. if people did not go to zoo, they would not exist.
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Greg Hill gave props (16 Apr 2008):
excellent focus, sharp eye!
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Caroline Hancox said (17 Apr 2008):
this is a stunning photo, love it
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Amy Evenson gave props (17 Apr 2008):
fabulous story and a powerful, emotional image. Phenominal work!!
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David Jennings gave props (17 Apr 2008):
A wonderful story and excellent image, thanks for sharing
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boland rotor gave props (18 Apr 2008):
works as hell!! my vote
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Ben Lawrence gave props (21 Apr 2008):
The tender detail knock me out. This has to get published!
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Stacey Debono gave props (23 Apr 2008):
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!!
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byGin said (24 Apr 2008):
Very touching story and powerful shot.
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Michelle Mogavero gave props (24 Apr 2008):
Wow! Great shot. I can see the wisdom and age in his eyes.
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Andrew Shuff gave props (24 Apr 2008):
Intense..Very nice photograph
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Andrew JK Tan gave props (25 Apr 2008):
Bold & Brilliant shot.
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Dingo gave props (26 Apr 2008):
one of the coolest creature shots i've seen, your experience with him just adds so much more to it.
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Robin Smith gave props (26 Apr 2008):
amazing story and perfect shot!!
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Nick Edens gave props (1 May 2008):
Your story really helps set a mood for the photo. A nice photo and explination.
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Laurie Search gave props (1 May 2008):
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.
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Liz Van Den Berg said (4 May 2008):
eyes are the window to the soul, i think you caught this in your shot, well done for your patience and respect
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Eric Anderson gave props (4 May 2008):
Oh my goodness! Mind=blown.
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Kathleen Barton gave props (8 May 2008):
Super shot - more than words can say
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Courtney Brown gave props (12 May 2008):
I agree completely with Amy; also this picture is great for this theme! my vote for sure.
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Jessica Martinez gave props (15 May 2008):
Amazing capture, its great to be paitient sometimes.
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Claus Petersen said (16 May 2008):
It looks angry, and it makes me a bit afraid!
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Scott Eagle gave props (17 May 2008):
Stunnine, your patience paid off well, what a shot.
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F. J. Sochacki, Jr. gave props (29 May 2008):
people say timing is everything, but they mean usually just a split second. way to take as much time as the shot needed.
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Gabe Maxson gave props (2 Jun 2008):
Has my VOTE!
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Giorgio Constantine gave props (5 Jun 2008):
Unbelievable!!!!
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Gloria Childers gave props (28 Jan 2009):
Perhaps he seemed to know you cared. Perhaps he had so many things he wished to tell you about his life he wished to share. Perhaps he wanted to tell you about his family no longer there. Perhaps. Just perhaps he thought you REALLY CARED. A+++++
Also by John Leonard
