Owl Monkeys

Gallery: WildlifePosted November 13, 2009328 views14 comments

These guys may look kinda' creepy at first, but if you spend any amount of time with them you start to see them for how sweet they really are.
These two owl or night monkeys moved into the old toucan exhibit where I work. They quickly took over the palm log that the toucans had hollowed out. Every time someone walked by, they would peek out and you'd end up seeing something like this.
I took advantage of the opportunity as soon as I had a minute to spare.

Comments and critiques welcomed

Canon 40D
Sigma 100-300mm EX
ISO 1000
1/10 sec @ f/8
tripod mounted

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on November 13, 2009 at 12:10 PM

I love the pose and light in the eyes. Nice detail in the fur too. I can't speak to the conditions, but I wonder if a slightly looser crop was possible(?). Regardless, it works for me because you've got such a great subject front and center.

I saw one of these in Ecuador a couple years ago, but really high up. It wasn't very outgoing, seeing how it's nocturnal. Thanks for the close-up!

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Sally King on November 13, 2009 at 12:10 PM

They don't look scary to me at all. They look very cute. I love the way the second monkey is peeking around the first. Those eyes...those incredible eyes are to die for. I don't think most people are going to find the monkeys in this image scary. Too bad most people won't get to find out how sweet they are.

PS Great fur details too.

Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments

Comment posted by Darren Colello on November 13, 2009 at 2:00 PM

This is a wonderful image Rick. I would love to see a larger version. Owl monkeys are among my favourites and I rarely see photographs of them. Thanks for posting, well done.

Registered on July 27, 2009, 175 Posts, 1100 Comments

Comment posted by Shane McDermott on November 13, 2009 at 3:16 PM

I love it. Beautifully processed, the colors and sharpness are right on. I mostly like the comp you chose, it's all about the monkeys! Great capture!

Shane

Registered on November 12, 2007, 49 Posts, 1074 Comments

Comment posted by Benjamin Olson on November 13, 2009 at 4:20 PM

This is a great shot, only nit is the small size you posted, the image can be up to 720 pixels on the longest side. It's hard to truly evaluate this image because of the small size posted, but it does appear to be nice and sharp and you had a great perspective!

Registered on April 7, 2007, 169 Posts, 725 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Gomez on November 13, 2009 at 8:03 PM

Thanks for the comments guys!

Registered on March 3, 2007, 206 Posts, 1853 Comments

Comment posted by Tom Theodore on November 13, 2009 at 9:29 PM

Those are too cool!! Great composition and detail.

Registered on May 7, 2008, 18 Posts, 54 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on November 13, 2009 at 11:58 PM

Very nice shot of the owl monkeys. Where are they?

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on November 14, 2009 at 12:10 AM

Their circular eyes within circular faces surrounded by concentric circles of wrinkles on their round little bodies inside round holes in the tree makes for an excellent composition. Amazing eye contact!

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on November 14, 2009 at 3:04 AM

captivating portrait rick - sharp as a pin! well done.

Registered on December 7, 2007, 247 Posts, 4792 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on November 14, 2009 at 1:31 PM

Awesome photo Rick! This is a real 'in your face' image and a clear example whereby a dead centre comp can work IMO. The second monkey certainly adds, as well as those long toes! Just a pity that you clipped the toe tips at the bottom and... that this is posted at such a large size. I see a member sign below your avitar Rick

If you have any queries regarding membership, please e-mail Jim at editor@naturephotographers.net.

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

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on November 14, 2009 at 1:35 PM

Btw the small image looks tack sharp Rick and that @ only 1/10 sec! These guys do sit still!

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

Comment posted by Rick Gomez on November 14, 2009 at 10:57 PM

Thanks guys!

John, these monkeys are at Monkey Jungle in Miami where I work.

Vincent, great to see you (well, at least your post), sir!
I just sent Jim an email last night so I guess it's all taken care of. Oh, and trust me, I had to take TONS of shots in order to get a few sharp ones. Yea, it sucks about the toes too... I didn't notice 'til I was done shooting (no crop).

Here's a larger one...

Registered on March 3, 2007, 206 Posts, 1853 Comments

Comment posted by Jagdeep Rajput on November 15, 2009 at 1:05 AM

Very impressive !
Never seen that before, find those eyes haunting !
Jagdeep Rajput

Registered on April 29, 2008, 686 Posts, 2857 Comments