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WC-578 Zoo Spectators
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WC-578 Zoo Spectators

by Karen Kane

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted April 6, 2013370 views6 comments
Thought I would pull this one out. The Calgary zoo, like all accredited zoos, is committed to conservation and education. One can only hope that some of these children who are so captivated by what they see as youngsters, will become the next generation who work to keep our natural spaces protected.

I think this image captures that sentiment, along with the action of the otter. The otter enclosure is attached to a building with various interpretive displays. These otters are phenomenal swimmers, and there is a wall with windows to allow spectators to watch them do just that.

This was taken years ago, 75-300mm lens at 75mm, 1/800sec @ f/5.6 and ISO 400. Some post-processing in LR4 and CEP4.

ps - I took this while waiting my turn to get up to the glass and don't know anyone in the photo. If that's an issue, please delete this post.

Comments

6 comments
Comment posted by John Clulow on April 7, 2013 at 6:32 AM
This is a wonderful image and I think your hope for the future effects of the zoo experience upon children is very realistic.

This seems to be a moment of connection between the otter and the children. I think this image expresses a fundamental aspect of the zoo experience and it has helped to crystalize some of the thoughts and questions that have occurred to me this past week.

A focal point of the image for me is the otter's "hand", which has five digits like ours, and which we might interpret as waving.
Registered on November 1, 2012, 155 Posts, 1079 Comments
Comment posted by Paul Rebmann on April 7, 2013 at 7:43 AM
Very nice, and excellent composition. My favorite image in this week's challenge.

Paul
Registered on July 17, 2012, 31 Posts, 122 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Lockhart on April 7, 2013 at 2:57 PM
Karen, I'm glad your shot included children; a human element, especially kids, sometimes adds to nature photographs. And, I agree completely that they will be our next generation of adults so it's important to instill a love of nature at an early age. I volunteer with the US Fish & Wildlife Service on an island off the coast of CT and we have several programs that involve getting kids out there and cultivating their love for nature. I've seen otters in captivity before and it's hard to catch them "standing still" for a moment, so great "catch" on this one.
Jim
Registered on February 19, 2013, 91 Posts, 500 Comments
Comment posted by Carolyn Derstine on April 7, 2013 at 9:02 PM
What a great shot, Karen, on so many levels. Always exciting to see children be enthralled by nature. . .and one does hope it influences the way they see and treat all of creation. I like the pose of the otter you captured and how his paw looks like he is waving to his observers. Good handling of the lighting in this situation and nice focus throughout the image. And, to top it off, this image is just plain cute! :smile:
Registered on February 16, 2011, 610 Posts, 3684 Comments
Comment posted by Howard Cheek on April 8, 2013 at 9:25 AM
I like the 'candid' aspect of this one Karen, nice job in this tricky light!
It tells a great story of child-like wonder.. I still get a glimpse of it now & again myself :smile:
Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments
Comment posted by Ed Williams on April 12, 2013 at 12:22 AM
Sooooo cute. Love it. How fun is this? Love the balance and composition, love the bubbles and the foot against the glass.
Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments