Inspiring Photo: Pensive #5822259

Pensive

Uploaded: March 17, 2008 12:47:50

Description

~•~•~•~
Western Lowland Gorilla
Buffalo Zoo
I was really intrigued by this gorilla's intense expression. I couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking.

f5.6 1/60th EV+2 ISO 800
Nikkor 18-200VR. Handheld, through window.
*a reworked version of an old favorite*

Exif: F Number: 5.6, Exposure Bias Value: 3.00, ExposureTime: 10/900 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 800, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 135.00 mm, Model: NIKON D80

Comments

Lisa J. Boulden March 17, 2008

Here's the first version.
#879648

Michelle L. Frick March 17, 2008

Outstanding Lisa!! Both versions are beautiful, but the increased blur in the bg really brings all the focus to the wonderful details and clarity in your capture. #5654544

Eivor Kuchta March 18, 2008

She is very beautiful, in her own way. You captured her mood very well. Thank you for sharing both images. Interesting to see how your changes made such a big difference. #5656952

Bill Houghton March 18, 2008

This is such a wonderful shot Lisa. Just a great job. Bill

Check out my personal website at:

Bill Houghton Photography
#5656966

Anne M. Young March 18, 2008

Fantastic work - original and processed #5657196

Dianna Murphy March 18, 2008

Just wonderful Lisa, you know I'm a fan of yours. REally makes you wonder what is on her mind. A powerful image. #5658235

Kameron W. Dean March 18, 2008

wow!!! that is all I can say I am amazed fantastic shot!!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh awesome!!! #5658246

Kimi A. Phillips March 18, 2008

LOVED it before...LOVE IT EVEN MORE!!!! #5658584

Molly E. Baldwin March 18, 2008

Your title fits perfect with this. Amazing shot Lisa! #5659548

Judi Morrissey March 18, 2008

Outstanding gorilla portrait! #5659612

Michael Umbreit March 18, 2008

Lisa - Excellent capture! I like the additional treatment as it really puts the focus on the intense expression! Well done! - Mike #5659676

Marina Moore March 18, 2008

Absolutely gorgeous!!!! Your images are always splendid, he looks so dignified! :) #5660038

Brett Dolsen March 18, 2008

Awesome Lisa!!The million dollar question what was she thinking.
Brett #5660509

Angie Sidles March 19, 2008

Outstanding captrue Lisa! Your work is just amazing! :) #5663606

Shannon Mills March 19, 2008

SUPERIOR WORK !!~ You got the gift!@!!! #5664481

Mitch Spence March 19, 2008

A lovely portrait, Lisa, with beautiful lighting and detail. #5664535

Harry E. Pherson March 19, 2008

Great shot Lisa #5664914

Lisa J. Boulden March 19, 2008

Oh, I love your wonderful support!!!
Thank you all for bringing me smiles!
~♥~Lisa #5665332

Toni Riggs March 19, 2008

Wonderful animal portrait! #5666285

Kathy L. Clark March 20, 2008

She is magnificent Lisa. I think you have a winner. #5668461

Dianna Hauf March 20, 2008

I agree with Kathy! SUCH a wonderful no, incredible capture!!! I loved it before as well and even more now! #5669923

Philippe Vieux-Jeanton March 20, 2008

Superbe.. #5669990

Tammy Espino March 20, 2008

Awesome Lisa :) #5670525

Colleen Farrell March 20, 2008

Excellent rework of this awesome image, Lisa! The original is fantastic, but with a softer background, the re-work is perfect!! #5670784

Lisa J. Boulden March 20, 2008

~•~♥~•~
Thanks for such uplifting comments, Toni, Kathy, Dianna, Philippe, Tammy, and Colleen!
I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised with this re-do. I mean, I had really liked the original, but after submitting it a few times, I decided to try to lighten it a bit before submitting it again. While I was at it, I blurred and did some cloning and burning of the bg. I also used curves, which in my eyes, helped to balance the light.
I'm glad you like the re-do, too!
So glad you ALL stopped by!
Blessings, Lisa
~•~♥~•~ #5670966

Cindy Bendush March 20, 2008

Fabulous lighting and detail in this animal study Lisa -- Superb!!! #5671017

Ujjwal Mukherjee March 20, 2008

Outstanding image,Lisa! This got to be a winner all the way!! #5671107

Kathleen Rinker March 21, 2008

I like the original but I have to say I like this one much more, I love the blurring of the background and the balance of the color and light, great work!!! #5673968

Lisa J. Boulden March 21, 2008

Thank you, Cindy, Ujjwal, and Kathleen!
~Lisa #5675254

Robert R. Goodman March 22, 2008

That is a very awesome image,Lisa.Beautiful clarity!!!!!! #5680916

Lisa J. Boulden March 23, 2008

Thank you, Robert!
~Lisa
#5682692

Tressie Davis March 24, 2008

Fantastic rework Lisa, an absolutely beautiful and moving image! #5688138

Donna La Mattino Pagakis March 24, 2008

Excellent timing and clarity on the gorilla Lisa! What an intense expression! #5689421

Lisa J. Boulden March 25, 2008

Thank you, Tressie and Donna!
Blessings, Lisa♥ #5695468

Lynn Haack March 29, 2008

Amazing lighting and clarity. Such a thoughtful...almost human expression! Lynn #5714634

Lisa J. Boulden March 29, 2008

Thank you, Lynn! I agree, they really seem almost-human, at times!
Smiles, Lisa♥ #5714749

Kaye Burazin March 30, 2008

Outstanding rich tonal quality. #5720529

Lisa J. Boulden March 30, 2008

Thanks, Kaye!
~Lisa #5720552

Steve A. Mark March 31, 2008

WoW! #5724971

Jim Britt April 01, 2008

Humbled by your skill here. Very nice job Lisa. Most excellent capture here...love it! #5731343

Marilyn K. Lincecum April 02, 2008

WOW is right..absolutley stunning!! Fantastic composition, lighting, details and perspective. I can see why it is a favorite. #5734513

Carla Metzler April 21, 2008

What a great capture! #5815559

Lisa J. Boulden April 21, 2008

Thanks for your wonderful words of support, Steve, Jim, Marilyn, and Carla!
Blessings, Lisa♥ #5816099

Angela Azzinnaro April 23, 2008

This is another AMAZING capture Lisa!!!! You should publish a book with your AWESOME images!!!!! So inspiring!!!!!! #5832656

Nancy (Peaches) Harker April 23, 2008

Awsome capture Lisa, Just beautiful! #5832746

Margaret R. Barry May 01, 2008

Gorgeous capture, Lisa. wonderful colors, comp. and clarity! #5866628

Lisa J. Boulden May 01, 2008

Thank you so much for your sweet support, Angela, Nancy, and Margaret!
Many blessings, Lisa♥ #5867874

Jeana Clark May 19, 2008

AGAIN....
CONGRATULATIONS ON THIS FANTASTIC FINALIST LISA!!!
~J~ #5942529

Erin Appelbaum May 19, 2008
Congrats yet again Lisa. Peter #5942851

Elida Gutierrez May 19, 2008
Congratulations for your FINALIST!!! #5942895

Melissa G. Meiselman May 19, 2008
Congratulations on this awesome finalist, Lisa!!! #5943174

anonymous May 19, 2008
Oh I knew we would see this one again!!! Huge congrats Lisa! B- #5943400

Tiia Vissak May 19, 2008
Congratulations! #5943436

Dianna Hauf May 19, 2008
HUGE hugs, huge congratualtions! #5943489

Stefania Barbier May 19, 2008
gorgeous..... big congrats!!!! #5944078

Erica Murphy May 19, 2008
Congratulations! This is amazing. #5944093

Tammy Espino May 19, 2008
Way to go, congrats! #5944201

Alex T. Mizuno May 19, 2008
Wow, another great Finalist! Congratulations Lisa!!! #5944490

Marina Moore May 19, 2008
Congratulations Lisa, on this amazing finalist!!!! :) #5944790

anonymous May 19, 2008
YEAH!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS Cyn! B- #5946096

Colleen Farrell May 19, 2008
Another well-deserved WIN!!! Big congrats, Lisa! #5946159

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna May 19, 2008
Congratulations on another winner, Lisa!!!!! ♫ k #5946235

Eugenio Diaz May 19, 2008
Congratulations on your Beautiful Winner!
Well done!!! #5946323

Erin Appelbaum May 19, 2008
Congrats on this awesome winner Lisa. Peter #5946660

Sue Marshall May 19, 2008
Congratulations Lisa! :-) #5946725

David Phalen May 19, 2008
BIG Congrats on a well deserved Winner!! #5946800

Angela Azzinnaro May 19, 2008
YAY YAY YAY!!! Another huge CONGRATS Lisa!!!!! This is MY FAVORITE image of yours- I LOVE IT!!!!! A LOVELY person with EXCELLENT images!!!!!! :0) #5946975

Sam Britt May 19, 2008
Congratulations on this winner, Lisa! #5947048

Michelle L. Frick May 19, 2008
Congratulations Lisa!! #5947099

Anne M. Young May 19, 2008
Congratulations Lisa on both finalists - stunning work..... #5947117

Tammy Espino May 19, 2008
WShoooooooooooo #5947298

Lisa J. Boulden May 19, 2008
~•~•~♥~•~•~
WOW!!!
Like... lickety-split.... we went from finalists to winners!
Knew something was up when I found my inbox brimming with 171 e-mails!
What a fabulous surprise!!!
Thank you all for such fabulous support and uplifting words of encouragement. EACH message means SO MUCH!!!
Smiles, Lisa♥
#5947363

Angie Sidles May 19, 2008
Big congrats on another beautiful winner! #5947417

Jessica Jenney May 19, 2008
WOW, Lisa! Congrats again on another gorgeous win! #5947705

Mike D. Perez May 19, 2008
A beautiful expressive capture with great lighting, Lisa! Congratulations! #5947782

Mary K. Robison May 19, 2008
Another deserving Winner, Lisa! CONGRATULATIONS! #5947858

Deborah Lewinson May 19, 2008
Hearty congrats on both excellent winners, Lisa! #5947940

Sylvia Rossler May 19, 2008
Big Big congrats again Lisa :O) #5948565

Marilyn K. Lincecum May 19, 2008
I love this one Lisa and am happy to see it win, Congratulations on your second place win!! #5948656

Corinne M. Thompson May 19, 2008
Awesome capture, congats on your win! #5948795

Kristi A. Howson May 19, 2008
Congratulations LIsa on this wonderful winner! Excellent capture and lighting! #5948879

Alex T. Mizuno May 19, 2008
Congratulations on your big win, Lisa!! I agree with you, this is really an intriguing image. #5948900

Holly J. Jackson May 19, 2008
SUPER CONGRATS on your BIG & WELL DESERVED WIN!! ; )
(Love the work you did on it! ; ) #5948994

Stefania Barbier May 20, 2008
SPECTACULAR WIN, CONGRATS!!!! #5949060

Carol Teal May 20, 2008
A wonderful capture, and she has an almost human expression on her face! Congrats on another wonderful win! #5949137

Jill Odice May 20, 2008
Lisa! This is exceptional! CONGRATS!!!!! #5949201

Tarun Bose May 20, 2008
Big congrats Lisa for your second place winner. #5949672

Laurie Daily May 20, 2008
Another fabulous winner, Lisa...congratulations to you! #5949819

Jennifer L. Alder May 20, 2008
Congrats, Lisa, on this wonderful winner! :) #5949965

Hendrik Storme May 20, 2008
Fantastic!!! Big congrats again Lisa!!! #5950017

M. S. White May 20, 2008
This is gorgeous. I love the moment captured and the processing. Congrats on 2nd place! #5950430

Patricia Ronan May 20, 2008
Congrats on your win Lisa:)Great image!! #5950725

Margaret R. Barry May 20, 2008
Congratulations on your winner, Lisa! #5950740

Lisa J. Boulden May 20, 2008
~• ~ ○ ~ ♥ ~ ○ ~ •~
You all sure know how to make this girl smile!!!
Thanks for visiting and for the lovely words of congratulations!
Blessings, Lisa♥ #5950787

Elida Gutierrez May 20, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
The Weed Trophy
A Special Trophy for
"The March Winners" #5951035

Terry L. Ellis May 20, 2008
Another excellent win, Lisa! Huge congatulations~! #5951867

Marina Moore May 20, 2008
Congratulations Lisa!!!! Your work is amazing! :)))) #5951965

Bill Knaps May 20, 2008
Congrats on another win Lisa. Bill #5952853

Eivor Kuchta May 20, 2008
Congratulations on your win, Lisa! #5954392

Sheryl A. Hudson May 20, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS on your win, Lisa!!! I love the lighting and his expression!!! #5954888

Cindy Bendush May 20, 2008
Congrats on your win Lisa! Spectacular! #5955089

Evy Johansen May 20, 2008
Congratulations on another beautiful win, Lisa!! #5955236

Colette M. Metcalf May 21, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS once again!!! #5955854

Dianna Hauf May 21, 2008
Congratualtions on this wonderful win!!!! #5956652

Lisa J. Boulden May 21, 2008
Thank you!
♥Lisa #5956770

Michael G. Marshall May 21, 2008
Congratulations on this wonderful winner Lisa! Outstanding image! Michael #5958853

Jill Flynn May 21, 2008
What an impact those eyes make. A beautiful and dignified portrait. Congratulations on another great win Lisa! #5959840

Kathy L. Clark May 21, 2008
I loved this the first time I saw it Lisa, another big congratulations on a gorgeous winner. #5959918

Mitzie Loland May 22, 2008
Congratulations on your excellent winner - great work Lisa!! #5961537

Dominick M. Dimacale May 22, 2008
Congratulations Lisa on your Fabulous Win.

Dominick #5961610

Holly Shao May 22, 2008
Congratulations on your Win, Lisa!! Awesome work!
Holly #5961969

Michael Umbreit May 22, 2008
Lisa - Congratulations on another fantastic win!! - Mike #5964067

Patrick Rouzes May 23, 2008
Lisa, CONGRATULATIONS on this WINNER!!! One of my faves of the month!!! INCREDIBLE work!!! #5968950

Datha Y. Thompson May 23, 2008
Beautiful/Excellent!!! Congratulations again Lisa!!! YGG :0) #5969107

Linda Blair May 24, 2008
Congrats on this well deserved win!!!! ☺ #5972642

Lisa J. Boulden May 24, 2008
~•~♥~•~
Your warm support means SO MUCH!!!
Thanks to EACH of you!
Smiles, Lisa ♥ #5973468

Cassie L. Woodlee May 25, 2008
WTG Lisa, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #5974668

Ujjwal Mukherjee May 26, 2008
Absolutely captivaing image and a very well deserved Winner! Congratulations,Lisa yet again!! #5977681

Vicki L. Filippin May 30, 2008
Once again, you ROCK with your winners, Lisa. FABULOUS BIG WIN! Your entire zoo series has been nothing short of inspiring.
:-) #5996444

Lisa J. Boulden May 30, 2008
~• ~♥~ •~
I really, REALLY appreciate your kind words! Thank you, Cassie, Ujjwal, and Vicki!
Blessings, Lisa♥ #5996764

Jim Baines May 30, 2008
Congratulations on this magnificent WINNER, Lisa! She wasn't thinking much, just exercising her prerogative to change her mind! #5998543

Emile Abbott June 07, 2008
Congrats again on another winner Lisa #6030966

Lisa J. Boulden June 10, 2008
I really appreciate your wonderful support. Thank you, Jim and Emile!
~♥~Lisa #6043070

Manuel Barrera June 26, 2008
Awesome photo! #6108213

Laura E. Swan July 25, 2008
Have you ever considered making posters? Having the Zoo offer them in the gift shops, Lisa? You have a gift for capturing the emotions of these precious animals and it should be shared with the world somehow. Maybe even National Geographic would be interested??? I bet colleges would buy them, too, for the walls of the Anthro class rooms etc...The possibilities are endless if you are up to marketing yourself. Amazing work, once again. -Laura #6231741

Karen Rosenblum October 22, 2009
A HUGELY deserving win!!!!! I just added you as one of my fave photographers here. You really inspire me, Lisa. -karen #8060773

Nikki McDonald July 08, 2010
This just came up in rotation on my BP Home Page, Lisa, and I thought I'd take a moment to send a belated congratulations. She has a wonderful, intriguing expression indeed. Wonderful win. #8742487

Cesar J. La Rosa January 14, 2012
Like Nikki, I was on the BP HomePage when I saw this photograph, Lisa, and I am so happy I happened to come across this wonderful portrait. It is by far, the best Gorilla Portrait I have ever seen. My belated Congratulations on this BEAUTIFUL Winner!!!
Cesar #9919885

Richard D. Love April 28, 2012
Wow...wonderful light and details. Just gorgeous!!
Rick #10112402

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