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Gentle Giant [Photography Contest Pictures of Animals & Wildlife Photography]

© Lisa J. Boulden

Gentle Giant

Uploaded: November 08, 2007 04:07:34

Description

Silverback Gorilla
Buffalo Zoo
Nikkor 18-200 VR @ 40mm. Handheld.
1/125th f6.7 ISO 400 EV +2

On this day at the zoo, there were very few visitors. I had almost an hour, along with a zoo docent, practically alone, at the gorilla exhibit. The gorillas were aware of my presence, and would glance toward me occasionally. The Silverback, however, followed me with his eyes, as I passed from window to window. At times, he would cover his face with one hand, then peek to see if I was still there. As he lay on the concrete, cradling himself with his arms, he reminded me of an old man, cold and lonely.
His eyes and overall expression, drew me into his world.
Thank you for allowing me to share this with you.
--Lisa



Comments

Stefania Barbier level-classic November 08, 2007 0

wise words Lisa... he looks so sad... gorgeous capture #781263

Michelle Alton November 08, 2007 0

I love you animal pics Lisa. It seems that you've developed relationships with them, for you to be able to capture them in these emotive moments.
Nice work in your gallery. #5043382

Peggy J. Maguire November 08, 2007 0

Gorgeous Work Lisa,Love his pose!!!!!! #5043533

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 08, 2007 0

Thank you, Stefania, Michelle, and Peggy. I'm really glad you paused to peek and to leave such nice words!
--Lisa #5044350

Terry Cervi level-deluxe November 08, 2007 0

These beautiful animals sometimes look so sad to me. Your series has captured their moods so well, Lisa! Wonderful work! #5044416

Kathleen Rinker November 08, 2007 0

Forlorn but beautiful. Great work on this series Lisa. #5044545

Eugenio Diaz November 08, 2007 0

Wooooooow !...Crazy good portrait... Excellent!!!
Eugenio #5044699

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 08, 2007 0

I really appreciate your wonderful comments, Terry, Kathleen, and Eugenio!
--Lisa #5044726

Sinta D W Plock November 08, 2007 0

Lisa WOW !!!
The lighting,details and the expression are AMAZING here.
Well done ! #5045101

Jennifer L. Alder November 08, 2007 0

STUNNING!!! :) #5045265

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 08, 2007 0

Thanks for the enthusiastic support, Sinta and Jennifer!
--Lisa #5045628

Mike D. Perez level-deluxe November 08, 2007 0

A beautiful capture, Lisa! Probably not a lot of fun being locked up in a Zoo. You captured a great expression on this image and the closeup. #5045996

Steve M. Harrington November 08, 2007 0

Some very fine images, Lisa. Timing is everything and you've got it!
Steve #5046167

Nancy (Peaches) Harker November 08, 2007 0

Hen looks so sad. You captured the moment and mood so well. SUPER capture girl! Love this! #5046208

frank w. degenhardt November 08, 2007 0

Lisa- wow, I love this stuff. you can keep em comming. What a fitting title, and again the way you really brought out the beauty of these animals in your series is such a joy to see.
Keep up this fantastic work
have a wonderful day #5046401

Sandra R. Alvey November 09, 2007 0

Beautiful capture of this wonderful primate! Gorgeous color and detail!

#5047274

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 09, 2007 0

Mike, Steve, Nancy, Frank, and Sandi:
I'm so glad you shared with me your wonderful comments regarding this emotional image! Thank you!
--Lisa #5047497

Kathy Reeves November 09, 2007 0

Outstanding capture of this beautiful and sad primate!! You have really captured something special here Lisa--I do not know how to define it --but I know it when I see it!! Exceptional image! #5048080

Walter Graziano November 09, 2007 0

Excellent shot Lisa, love it! #5048793

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 09, 2007 0

Thank you, Kathy and Wally!
--Lisa

#5049088

Sam Britt November 09, 2007 0

Great lighting & details, terrific image, Lisa. #5049136

Tammy Espino November 09, 2007 0

He sleeps like I do. Wish I could give him a couple pillows. Such a great image and face. Breaks my heart to see animals locked up~ #5049993

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 09, 2007 0

Tammy, I wanted to give him a blanket. He looked like he could use a hug, too!

Thank you, Sam and Tammy,for your kind words! Glad you stopped by!
--Lisa
#5050101

Kathy L. Clark November 09, 2007 0

Lisa this is an absolutely magnificent image. I want to hug him. So sweet, your title is perfect. #5050246

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 09, 2007 0

I should add pillows, blankets, and hugs to my list of BLESSINGS to remain grateful for!

Thank you, Kathy, for your wonderful comment.
--Lisa #5050273

Larry L. Redmon level-classic November 09, 2007 0

Great job, Lisa! You have an incredible gallery! #5050733

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 09, 2007 0

Thank you, Larry!
So very well appreciated!
--Lisa #5050899

Alexis Yobbagy November 09, 2007 0

WOW!!! This is an incredible image!!! So human like!!! #5050963

Anita Hogue November 09, 2007 0

Fabulous image, Lisa! #5051151

Patrick Rouzes level-classic November 10, 2007 0

Exceptional lighting, tones, dof & emotion captured here!!! Very beautiful job on this, lisa!!! #5051363

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 10, 2007 0

Thank you for your wonderful comments, Alexis, Anita, and Patrick! Your visits mean a lot!
--Lisa #5051824

Chua Wee Boo November 10, 2007 0

Excellent capture of this very sad looking animal,Lisa! #5052181

Melissa G. Meiselman November 10, 2007 0

So human the way he positions himself for sleep, Lisa!! I love the way you framed this portrait with your sharp details and fine lighting!! #5053552

Dominick M. Dimacale level-addict November 10, 2007 0

Great work here, Lisa.


Dominick #5053629

Jessica Jenney November 10, 2007 0

You've got some incredible animal images in your gallery, Lisa! The emotion here is so touching! #5053654

Carol Sawyer November 10, 2007 0

Beautiful capture and great theme entry, Lisa! #5053699

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 10, 2007 0

Chua, Melissa, Dominick, Jessica, and Carol: I really appreciate your comments on this image. Carol, I'm glad you agree with my entry into the MT category (Blessings).
Thanks a bunch, everyone!
Enjoy a blessed weekend!
--Lisa #5053756

November 10, 2007 0

He looks happy to me, as if he was glad to get his pic done. excellent capture. :) #5053766

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 10, 2007 0

...and/or happy that someone was actually paying attention to him on this slow-attendance day at the zoo.

I really appreciate your sweet comment, Jon! So very appreciated!
--Lisa #5053804

virafoto - November 10, 2007 0

Be not sad, my friend Gorilla...
You has just won more two admirers: Lisa and me!
Lisa, you already know... Is the photographer that "speaks" to the animals...
And I am charmed with your expression, my friend Gorrilla.
The picture, as always, is charming... Full of feelings.
Congratulations, photographer...
My blessings for you and for the photographed model!

----- #5053890

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 10, 2007 0

Thank you, my friend!
Your kind, thoughtful words have a way of nourishing my soul.
Blessings, Lisa #5054024

Janet McNeil level-classic November 10, 2007 0

Terrific capture - have loved all the animal photos!! Nice work!! #5055111

Karen Engelbreth November 10, 2007 0

Fantastic portrait, Lisa - WOW! #5055113

Judy V. Kennamer level-classic November 11, 2007 0

Beautiful capture Lisa! He looks like he wants you to come in and talk to him - or something to entertain him - #5055491

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna November 11, 2007 0

Wonderful, Lisa!!!!!! ♫ k #5055638

Roxanne M. Bubar November 11, 2007 0

Outstanding image and presentation. #5055689

Patrick Rouzes level-classic November 11, 2007 0

Just checking back on this phenomenal capture, Lisa!!! Have looked back on this numerous times- just pretend I was not here again,haha. #5055929

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 11, 2007 0

Janet, Karen, Judy, Kitty, Roxanne, and Patrick: What WONDERFUL comments! Thank you for your visits. You are all very appreciated!
--Lisa #5056066

Cassie L. Woodlee November 11, 2007 0

OH MY GOODNESS, this is absolutley beautiful Lisa. Outstanding capture my friend!!! #5059133

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 12, 2007 0

Thank you, Cassie!
I really appreciate your enthusiastic response!
--Lisa #5060255

Virginia Mackel November 12, 2007 0

Thank you for showing these. This picture just captures so much. I am so in love with this picture..It's just stunning. #5064168

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 12, 2007 0

I am touched by your words, Virginia! Thank you for your kind visit and encouraging words. --Lisa #5064348

Cyn Valentine November 12, 2007 0

This is just stunning..awesome lighting..great capture Lisa! #5064357

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 12, 2007 0

Thanks, Cyn!
Glad you stopped by!
--Lisa #5064380

anonymous November 13, 2007 0

Very Well Said Lisa!!! Wonderful image! B- #5065373

Deborah Lewinson level-addict November 13, 2007 0

Marvelous image, Lisa, great expression and eye contact!
-Debby #5065417

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 13, 2007 0

Thank you so much, Barbara and Deborah!
--Lisa #5065427

Susan M. Hembree November 13, 2007 0

This is wonderful, Lisa! A really good capture. #5065754

Daniella Puente November 13, 2007 0

Lisa just AMAZING and for sure a winner already! what a wonderful photo!!!! #5068651

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 14, 2007 0

Thank you for taking the time to peek and to leave such supportive words, Susan and Daniella! So very appreciated!
--Lisa #5070780

Vicki L. Filippin November 14, 2007 0

Love it, LOVE it, LOVE IT!
Such mood, such emotion, such clarity, ... such a wonderful capture. Can't wait to see the rest of your gallery, but from what the rest have said, it could be hearbreaking as well as awe inspired.
Tres' Magnifique! #5070804

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 14, 2007 0

Your enthusiasm means so much to me, Vicki! Thank you for your fabulous remarks!
Blessings, Lisa #5070828

cheryl m. phillips November 15, 2007 0

Oh, Lisa! I missed so many good ones in your gallery lately! This is so sweet. The look on his little face is too cute!
Nice job!
~cheryl #5075568

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 15, 2007 0

I'm glad you visited again, Cheryl!
Thanks for the wonderful words!
--lisa #5075620

Crystal L. Craig November 16, 2007 0

Absolutely incredibly emotional capture Lisa! Wow. You really did an excellent job composing this powerful message ... well done. #5079583

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 16, 2007 0

Thank you, Crystal!
--Lisa #5081092

Alex T. Mizuno November 17, 2007 0

Ooo, this is heat-melting! You've been capturing various expressions of this primate and they are all well done! Congratulations on EFP!! #5086788

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 17, 2007 0

Thanks, Alex!
--Lisa #5086804

Lynn Haack November 17, 2007 0

Your gorilla images are so amazing...all aspects of excellent photography represented in each one! The emotion you have captured is truly inspiring. Lynn #5086935

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 17, 2007 0

I really appreciate you wonderful support, Lynn! Thank you.
--Lisa #5087011

Heather L. Haderly November 20, 2007 0

This guy looks so human here, Excellent capture Lisa!!! #5102647

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 20, 2007 0

Thanks, Heather! I'm glad you visited!
--Lisa #5102719

She-She Killough November 22, 2007 0

Lisa, Such an amazing image. His eyes tell so much! I LOVE THAT!! And your words about blessings are RIGHT ON girlfren! GREAT WORK!!! :) #5109486

Brett Dolsen November 22, 2007 0

Beautifull but sad Lisa!!This happens as a photographer.Funny thing is through a lense animals become our equals or greater.
Brett #5109495

Kelly A. Gooch November 22, 2007 0

Love this shot Lisa....full of emotion!! #5110197

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 22, 2007 0

Thank you for such kind words of support, She-She, Brett, and Kelly. This big guy really tugged at my heartstrings.
I'm really glad you've stopped by to share this image with me!
--Lisa #5110370

Donna La Mattino Pagakis November 26, 2007 0

Outstanding Lisa, I really love what you have captured, so much feeling!! #5126540

Debbie Price November 26, 2007 0

I first thought this was a sad picture...then I looked at it with the positive standpoint....Not sure..It took me awhile to go see the gorilla at the Birmingham zoo because I felt he always looked sad. After I sat with him...he began to clown. They really do interact with us humans if you take the time. I think maybe they just like fooling us...lol.. Great capture! dp #5126739

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 26, 2007 0

Thank you so much for such thoughtful comments, Donna and Debbie! So very appreciated!
~~Lisa #5126847

Sharon Perkins November 28, 2007 0

Beautiful and emotional Capture !!!! I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #5141908

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 28, 2007 0

Thanks, Sharon!
So glad you stopped by!
--Lisa #5142749

Jim Britt November 29, 2007 0

Love this shot. Nicely done. #5145062

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 29, 2007 0

Thanks, Jim!
--Lisa #5145070

Sherry Sturgis November 30, 2007 0

Lisa, this is fabulous! You've captured a tender moment, an extremly moving & emotional image! Well done!!!!! #5151810

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 30, 2007 0

I'm glad you like this one, Sherry. (It's one of my personal favorites.) Thanks for the thoughtful comments!
~~Lisa #5151935

Diane L. Thomas December 20, 2007 0

Lisa, I agree with all the commets, this is a great self searching photo. I do wonder what this guy was thinking. Diane Thomas #5229398

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic December 26, 2007 0

Thank you, Diane!
Blessings, Lisa #5253305

Anne M. Young level-classic January 31, 2008 0

Just stunning Lisa - great photo that has truely captured his sadness!Great gallery #5424989

Sylvia Rossler February 22, 2008 0

So cute !!! Big congrats again Lisa :O) #5533071

Tammy Espino February 22, 2008 0

YAAAAAAAA so glad this guy got a finalist! WHOOOOOOOOO :) #5533363

Alex T. Mizuno February 22, 2008 0

Congratulations again, Lisa!! Fantastic Finalist!! #5533426

anonymous February 23, 2008 0

Congratulations Lisa on your wonderful finalist! B- #5534355

Crystal L. Craig February 23, 2008 0

Yeah LIsa! A huge congrats on making finalist with this wonderful capture! #5534389

Patricia Ronan February 23, 2008 0

Congrats on your finalist with this lovely image Lisa:) #5534412

Nancy (Peaches) Harker February 23, 2008 0

Whooooooooooo Hoooooooooooo, one of my favorite!!!
BIG Congrats on your beautiful finalist!!!
Best of luck in the next round!!!
WTG girl!!! #5534446

Danielle Fuller February 23, 2008 0

Lisa I really really like this one!!! Well deserving finalist and I will be crossing my fingers for you in the next round! #5534461

Dave Winchell February 23, 2008 0

Lisa congratulations!!! #5535087

Marina Moore February 23, 2008 0

Congratulations Lisa!!! Your animal portraits always reveal so much emotion and beauty in these wonderful creatures!!! #5535317

Jim Britt February 23, 2008 0

Nice tight shot with great detail..always loved this one..congrats! #5535341

Colleen Farrell February 23, 2008 0

Yay! Big congratulations on this amazing finalist, Lisa! Good luck in the next round! Oh, and RESUBMIT your polar bear images! :D #5535872

Angie Sidles level-classic February 23, 2008 0

YGG! Awesome work! Big Congrats!! #5535954

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic February 23, 2008 0

~•~•~♥~•~•~
Thank you all for the wonderful support and friendly encouragement. I really appreciate your visits and kindness!
~♥~Blessings, Lisa

~•~♥~•~
#5536423

Brett Dolsen February 23, 2008 0

Congrats Lisa and good luck next round!!
Brett #5536490

Donna La Mattino Pagakis February 23, 2008 0

Congratulations on your finalist Lisa, this is outstanding! #5536580

Debra R. Harder February 23, 2008 0

Congatulations again, Lisa, on another AMAZING capture! Beautiful work! Deb #5536800

Stefania Barbier level-classic February 23, 2008 0

spectacular Lisa, congratulations! #5536859

Deb Koskovich February 23, 2008 0

SO well deserved, Lisa -- we'll see gold on this one! #5537899

Shannon D. Miller February 23, 2008 0

CONGRATULATIONS Lisa! This is STUNNING and so well deserved girl! EXCELLENT work! Shannon~ #5538115

Sam Britt February 23, 2008 0

Congratulations, Lisa! #5538141

Steve Mason February 23, 2008 0

Congratulations on your finalist, Lisa! This shot is very, very deserving. #5538550

Su Sana E. P level-classic February 23, 2008 0

Congratulations on this outstanding Finalist, Lisa!! #5538562

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna February 23, 2008 0

Wonderful capture, Lisa!!!!! Congratulations on your finalists!!!!! ♫ k #5539024

Mitch Spence level-classic February 23, 2008 0

Congratulations, Lisa! #5539211

Melissa G. Meiselman February 23, 2008 0

Congratulations, Lisa on this awesome finalist!! #5539223

Teresa Norris February 23, 2008 0

Congratulations, Lisa...this is such a wonderful and moving capture!!! A great finalist! #5539330

MELODIE C. ROBERTS February 23, 2008 0

Hey Lisa!!
Huge Congratulatons to you
Awesome Image!!! #5539973

Jeana Clark February 23, 2008 0


YIPPPEEEEE LISA!!!!
CONGRATS G/F FOR THIS FANTASTIC FINLAIST!!!

~J~ #5540257

Sandra R. Alvey February 23, 2008 0

Congrats Lisa again hon! I love this image!! Good luck in the next round hon! #5540346

Hendrik Storme February 23, 2008 0

Congratulations again Lisa!!! #5540601

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic February 24, 2008 0

~~•~♥~•~~
Thanks to each of you for your lovely support! You've brought me smiles!!!
Blessings, Lisa
~•~♥~•~ #5541706

Cheryl E. Molennor February 24, 2008 0

Congratulations!! #5544364

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic February 24, 2008 0

~•~♥~•
Thanks, Cheryl!
♥Lisa
#5545042

Carol Teal February 25, 2008 0

A very emotional image Lisa. It is hard to know if he is sad or just looks that way to us. I have mixed emotions about zoo animals...sometimes I feel sorry for them that they are not out in the wild, but then, the wild can be a dangerous place. I keep my cats indoors and now my dog, and they are happy. So I am hoping he isn't sad and was just taking a break from playing peek-a-boo with you. Great capture, and I am glad to see it made finalist. Good luck in the next round! #5546973

Bill Knaps February 26, 2008 0

Lisa this is a great shot. Congrats on your Editor Picks. Bill #5551349

Bill Knaps February 26, 2008 0

Correction. Congrats on your Finalist and your wins. Bill #5551353

Sheryl A. Hudson level-classic February 26, 2008 0

Congratulations on this well deserved finalist, Lisa!!! #5552318

Teresa Burnett level-classic February 26, 2008 0

Congratulations again on another amazing finalist Lisa!! Best of luck in the next round!! #5552369

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic February 26, 2008 0

I really appreciate your support and encouraging words! Thank you, Carol, Sheryl. Cheri, Bill, and Teresa!
~♥~Blessings, Lisa #5554211

Kay Beausoleil February 26, 2008 0

Wow! Such an unusual and evocative image, Lisa -- congratulations on your finalist! #5554355

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic February 26, 2008 0

Thank you, Kay!
~♥~Lisa #5554368

Jennifer L. Alder February 26, 2008 0

Congrats on this TERRIFIC finalist, Lisa! Those eyes are wonderful! #5554418

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic February 26, 2008 0

I appreciate those words, Jennifer.
Thank you!
~Lisa #5554504

Judy V. Kennamer level-classic February 26, 2008 0

Wonderful capture Lisa! Congrats on your Finalist - it's well-deserved! #5554609

Dr. Harmeet Singh February 26, 2008 0

Congrats on this beautiful finalist.It is a winner for sure,Lisa.. #5554655

Nadine A. Lewis February 26, 2008 0

Soooo sad, Lisa but want an AWESOME capture and mood!!! Soooo worthy of a finalist!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! <>< #5554764

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic February 27, 2008 0

Thank you, Judy, Harmeet, and Nadine!
Blessings, Lisa #5557755

Laurie Daily level-deluxe February 29, 2008 0

Congratulations on this great finalist, Lisa! Such eyes that tell a story...I loved yours!
#5574235

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic March 01, 2008 0

I really appreciate your kind words, Laurie! Thank you!
~♥~Lisa #5575808

Caitlin M. Veteto April 15, 2008 0

Such a nice photo. All of your animal pictures are amazing! #5791092

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