Fauna - 1st HM

Gallery: EPA 2010Posted July 31, 20103,689 views41 comments

Fauna Gallery - 1st Honorable Mention
Bliss

I've been going through some of the gazillion images I haven't processed yet, for a presentation for National Geographic I gave last week. This was shot on last year's Japan workshop.

These snow monkeys are just übercool. During the cold winter months they like to bathe in the natural hot springs, very clever. For most animals, water is just something they need to drink or wash with, but these guys really know how to enjoy a warm bath.

Check out the larger version too!

I'm off to Alaska now, to see if can find some bathing bears.

D3X, AF-S 70-200/2.8 VR II, 1/125 @ f/8, ISO 100, SB-900, handheld

Comments

41 comments

Comment posted by Patricia Brundage on July 31, 2010 at 6:25 AM

Your usual technical perfection and a sweet shot. The expression on their faces is priceless! What an honor to present to National Geographic. Congratulations on all your success.

Registered on March 23, 2006, 1111 Posts, 6531 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Yeoh on July 31, 2010 at 6:52 AM

Marsel:
Yes they are real fun to watch. Nice capture here of 3 blissful monkeys. Congrats on presentation ot NG.

Registered on September 1, 2009, 588 Posts, 8184 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on July 31, 2010 at 9:06 AM

Marsel,

Flawless execution. The key element of this photo is having all 3 with their eyes closed (though the hear no evil/see no evil/do no evil look would have been pretty cool to, albeit much harder to pull off!). Additionally, the placing of them in the middle of the frame (which some would be tempted to avoid) works because they are so similar in color to the rock they are leaning against which creates a 2/3s 1/3s look to the image. Perfectly executed (and Hand Held!).

Good luck in Alaska

- Luke

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Anand Narayanan on July 31, 2010 at 12:45 PM

Masterpiece !

Registered on October 25, 2009, 110 Posts, 835 Comments

Comment posted by Sandipan Dutta on July 31, 2010 at 1:48 PM

Such an emotive representation...I love the way you captured facial expression that conveys their feeling and draws the viewer virtually into thier world. This image is all about how it engages the viewer emotionally...great work.

Registered on March 9, 2009, 171 Posts, 493 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on July 31, 2010 at 2:21 PM

It is probably not too difficult to come away with good snow monkey photos from this location, but to create an image (or rather images, because you have shown us several) this perfectly executed undoubtedly requires great skill and vision. This is simply superb, congrats...

PS I am surprised you have a gazillion unprocessed images, I thought you were extremely selective.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on July 31, 2010 at 6:32 PM

This is flawless imo. I really don't know how you could have done this any better, Marsel. The comp, timing and exposure is perfect. There is a reason you are doing a presentation for NG! Wonderful image.
Good luck with the bears!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, Wi

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Harshad Barve on August 1, 2010 at 7:48 AM

Gorgeous image Marsel

Registered on July 25, 2010, 39 Posts, 210 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Maile on August 1, 2010 at 8:20 AM

This one pretty much leaves me speechless Marsel. Are you sure they didn't have cocktails with umbrellas in front of them too?? Spectacular.

Registered on March 2, 2009, 984 Posts, 2518 Comments

Comment posted by Scott Anderson on August 1, 2010 at 12:24 PM

Incredible photo. The sharpness, detail and of course, the monkeys. They look like people in parkas in this shot.

Registered on July 1, 2009, 30 Posts, 181 Comments

Comment posted by Marsel van Oosten on August 1, 2010 at 12:30 PM

Thanks for your comments - much appreciated.

Vincent - I am very selective. Problem is, I still have to make the selections. With so many trips each year, and so little time in between, it's difficult to keep up. I'm sure I'll shoot more than 36 images in Alaska, so the pile is getting bigger and bigger. I should get myself an assistent with very good taste.

Registered on March 9, 2004, 285 Posts, 2277 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on August 1, 2010 at 12:33 PM

I wouldn't mind being your assistant Marsel, please book me a ticket to Alaska!

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on August 1, 2010 at 5:52 PM

A delightful image in all respects Marsel.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on August 1, 2010 at 6:47 PM

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!! Incredible image Marsel!!! Have fun in Alaska

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Jude Haase on August 1, 2010 at 9:00 PM

Sweet Shot!!! Congrats!

Registered on April 3, 2006, 236 Posts, 1657 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on August 1, 2010 at 11:49 PM

Three in a row. Well done, as we all come to expect of you! Your subjects pose nicely for you. Maybe you could have raised the bar to have them pose to match the iconic three monkeys...One with hands over eyes, one with hands over ears and one with hands over mouth!

Thanks for posting your work in fauna gallery.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Joe Vincent on August 2, 2010 at 6:00 AM

Simply stunning Marsel!!!

Registered on August 16, 2005, 69 Posts, 792 Comments

Comment posted by Paolo De Faveri on August 2, 2010 at 6:17 AM

Paolo

Registered on August 29, 2007, 318 Posts, 1651 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on August 2, 2010 at 9:30 AM

I keep coming back to this repeatedly, as the soft lighting and exposure of their faces, and dof, is tremendous.

Registered on April 1, 2010, 196 Posts, 1592 Comments

Comment posted by Gary McGhee on August 2, 2010 at 3:55 PM

Fantastic shot Marsel. I would love to visit this place one day.

Gary.

Registered on April 15, 2010, 142 Posts, 2416 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Walters on August 2, 2010 at 8:05 PM

Like the closed eyes and the placement of the snow monkeys. Great details in the faces as well.

Registered on October 30, 2005, 405 Posts, 3693 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Smith on August 3, 2010 at 8:18 PM

The colors and lighting is super! Great comp too. Congrats on EP. Ken S

Registered on September 5, 2008, 449 Posts, 2444 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on August 3, 2010 at 8:28 PM

A truly great image, Marsel. Congrats on this weeks EP selection as well.

Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments

Comment posted by David Cobb on August 3, 2010 at 8:54 PM

They could almost be the 3 witches in Hamlet. Great shot Marsel, and congrats on the EP!

Registered on December 14, 2007, 312 Posts, 3243 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on August 4, 2010 at 11:15 AM

OUTSTANDING! Great shot Marsel, and congrats on the EP.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on August 4, 2010 at 6:59 PM

The most amazing photo I have ever seen on this site. But my husband looked confused when I asked if I could go to Japan next week. I can't wait to see you Alaskan photos.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on August 4, 2010 at 8:11 PM

Excellent - congrats on the EP!
Sandy r

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on August 5, 2010 at 5:12 PM

Marsel, you have captured these subjects in total and undeniable bliss for all to see. A fantastic image that really puts the viewer in the moment. Congrats on the WP honor.

Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments

Comment posted by Sam Rua on August 8, 2010 at 3:07 AM

Awesome capture. Well done all around.

Registered on September 9, 2006, 130 Posts, 2281 Comments

Comment posted by Satie Sharma on August 8, 2010 at 11:57 AM

Wonderful shot, Marsel.

Registered on November 11, 2003, 189 Posts, 5335 Comments

Comment posted by Muhammad Zaid Wani on August 10, 2010 at 10:02 AM

Perfect in every respect. Very well done!

Registered on August 18, 2005, 23 Posts, 1406 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on September 6, 2010 at 12:47 PM

Congrats. I am looking forward to getting to see this photo every day for the next month.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Hamed Musharbak on September 6, 2010 at 12:59 PM

Congrats Marsel

this is a first class

Registered on June 1, 2009, 372 Posts, 2282 Comments

Comment posted by Art Escobado on September 6, 2010 at 4:25 PM

Fantastic dimensionality!! Tack sharp detail of the subject pops against the slightly out of focus background in this lovely portrait of simian enjoyment.

Registered on January 7, 2007, 0 Posts, 775 Comments

Comment posted by Ingrid Vekemans on September 7, 2010 at 12:05 PM

Fantastic shot, Marsel, as usual - congratulations of the Photo of the Month!

Registered on August 2, 2010, 138 Posts, 780 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel Ewert on September 7, 2010 at 10:51 PM

This is an amazing image, Marsel. One of my favorite wildlife images I have seen this year.

Registered on June 2, 2009, 103 Posts, 1500 Comments

Comment posted by Ákos Lumnitzer on September 9, 2010 at 8:20 AM

This is just super, super and even more super. those dudes are really enjoying themselves in that bath! Well deserved accolade Marsel!

Registered on April 24, 2004, 25 Posts, 510 Comments

Comment posted by Mervyn Dublin on September 16, 2010 at 3:44 PM

Congrats Marsel! Excellent shot as always!

Registered on September 23, 2009, 42 Posts, 110 Comments

Comment posted by Sandipan Dutta on January 3, 2011 at 12:31 AM

Heartiest congratulations Marsel !!!

Registered on March 9, 2009, 171 Posts, 493 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on January 3, 2011 at 1:25 AM

Marsel, huge congrats for the 2010 Fauna 1st HM award !
Beautiful image!
sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by David Kjaer on January 3, 2011 at 4:12 PM

This wonderful image made me

Congratulations.

David

Registered on January 4, 2006, 128 Posts, 4170 Comments