Gorilla

[Mike Buckley]

After converting this image yesterday that was captured about five years ago, I'm reminded that it has been too long since I've been to the zoo. That's especially true now that I've got a 300mm lens.

C&C encouraged as always.

[kdoc856]

Definitely get that long glass to the zoo- would love to see what you get with it. this shot looks like it was NOT shot through 4 inches of plexiglass (unlike mine), You nailed his eyes with the focus, and got a good background that doesn't scream "confined animal"! Good job. We need more

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, Kevin. Nope, no plexiglass or other clear barriers.

[Bobobird]

Awesome looking guy with great features. Mangled nose tells he has been in a gang fight or 2.

Excellent b/w conversion. I would say wall material but too scary so better not scare the "sheep"ish.

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks especially for the comment about the conversion, Bobo. I'm really enjoying doing this black-and-white stuff.

[ucci]

Nice conversion to B&W. Really captures the personality of this fellow. Well framed and nicely sharp. What conversion programme did you use? Was it the one so favoured by Donald? I think it is called 'Silverback.'

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, Ken. Your tendency to confuse "Silverback" with "SilverEfex" is understandably excused. I used Nikon Capture NX2, the same program that I use to post-process my color photos.

[RogerCook]

I love the glassy eyes.

[FlyingSquirrel]

HOLY CRAP! This is amazing! I am in love with this photo, and yes, it's a superb conversion job. On a nitpicky note, I wonder how it would look if you burned the upper right corner in a little bit (and maybe do a subtle vignette all around, though I know they are overused) . +1 to you getting more zoo shots and sharing with us

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks to Roger and Matt! I like Matt's suggestions, which are added to the revision shown below.

Should I also burn the bright area in the gorilla's right front shoulder? Is it distracting or does its prominence help make the photo appear three-dimensional?

[Mallardo]

What a majestic animal and you really, really captured him well. Great shot.

[AB26]

Mike now that is a good B&W IMHO. I am much in the same position - should get out to a zoo and use what I've got. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Brownbear]

Gorgeous shot.. I love the expression you captured on his face.

[Plumcrak]

What a great capture AND a great conversion. I think the bright spot on the shoulder does add a 3-dimensional aspect to the photo, I say keep it as is

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks to everyone, and especially to Jon for the feedback about the right shoulder. Looking for more opinion about that!

[Brownbear]

Like the right shoulder, adds to the 3D

[Shadowman]

I want plexiglas between me and him. He might have a good throwing arm.

Nice image.

[Mike Buckley]

I want plexiglas between me and him.

There was a wide moat. Good enough?

[FlyingSquirrel]

WOW, great job Mike! I'm glad that my suggestions were useful. I really like the new version.

edit - it's perfect, leave the shoulder