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Hold on tight


Hold on tight
Photo Information
Copyright: Anna Eksteen (Miss_Piggy) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1403 W: 4 N: 2295] (7415)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-10-22
Categories: Mammals
Camera: Sony Cybershot DSC H9, Digital ISO 200
Exposure: f/4, 1/125 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Baby Animals 1, Full of tenderness / Plein de tendresse, CeltickRanger's favorite African animal photos 2, Kruger National Park 2, Family Matters 3 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2009-11-05 12:26
Viewed: 356
Points: 92
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Chacma Baboon / Papio cynocephalus

First of all I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody congratulating me on winning the photographic competition I have entered. I did not expect it at all and it still feels like a dream. In the same breath I do however want to mention that I have not as yet received my new camera and gear and once I have received it, it will take some time to learn to use the new equipment. I have been driving my "Herbie" (Sony Cybershot DSC H9) for almost 2 years, and to suddenly drive a "Mercedes" (Canon 450D, with all kinds of goodies and gadgets) is not just an overnight switch. Therefore, all of you who have been enquiring about the new camera and when you will see images from it, sorry guys you will have to bear with me for quite some time longer. I want to share with you the images taken with my Sony and that is going to take quite a while, because there are plenty in store.

Two years ago when we where on vacation in the Kruger game reserve, we saw many baby animals much to our delight. Hyena, buffalo, monkey, baboon, bushbuck, Blacksmith Lapwing and many more. I was excited and looking forward to have the opportunity to capture some babies myself this time around; as it was the same month and season we saw all those other babies 2 years ago. Unfortunately the babies were few and far between as we saw plenty (or actually most) animals still gestating.

Loot told me that many animals, (mostly antelope) can hold back giving birth for up to a month when the conditions are not right yet i.e. when it is still too dry because the 1st rains did not fall as yet. For me personally it was rather beautiful and astonishing to see these highly pregnant animals such as the zebra, blue wildebeest, impala and giraffe move about with their big bellies. Although we do it ourselves, and therefore take it completely for granted, but being born is a special event in the animal kingdom.

Luckily I was fortunate to photograph some cute baboon babies. Their antics are such a pleasure to look at. Unknowingly they are such comics and can put up a show without any effort. That is one of the many bonuses of the game reserve as you can even watch a free play or show. One cannot return from a vacation without some baboon shots, as they will sit along the side of the road, picking flees from one another, lie stretched out in all positions and we even photographed one of the bigger males, sitting and sleeping in the middle of the road.

They are indeed a joy to watch, especially the babies clinging on for dear life when the mother start moving. At once stage we photographed how one of the little one's did not grasp tight enough and fell down on the road. Unfortunately that specific image is a bit out of focus but I'll share it with you at a later period. All these little things makes the holiday a great experience, and as Loot mentioned in his note that accompanied his posting "Wild, Wild Africa", mostly it is the small things that matter and not only the lions, leopards and hyaenas or any of the other Big 5.

Baboons have been featured many times on the site, so I thought I'll rather share some of my personal thoughts than something that the most of you know by now. This little rascal clinging on for dear life stole my heart and the expression on its face is priceless. He looks like an experienced jockey with the right posture and style.

I hope you enjoyed looking at this photo as much as I took pleasure in taking it.
hansh, boreocypriensis, jmirah, CeltickRanger, Luis52, goatman04, techranger, lovenature, tuslaw, rcrick, ferranjlloret, robindb, loot, nasokoun, Noisette, maurydv, jconceicao, uleko, xTauruSx, sranjan, Mikolaj, bahadir, siggi, roges, Gert-Paassen, meyerd, SelenE has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To loot: ThanksMiss_Piggy 1 11-06 03:21
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Critiques [Translate]

hello Anna
so ugli and so BEAUTIFUL ,this baby monkey
great details and very nice composition
great sharpness
very nice shot Anna
greeting lou

  • Great 
  • hansh Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 222 W: 1 N: 172] (688)
  • [2009-11-05 12:33]

Hello Anna.

What a very nice and cute picture of this very young monkey. Sharpness is perfect but i like specially the look of the face of this young one.
Thank you.

Gr. Hans

Oooohhhh, Anna, that's sooooo cute.
This tiny baboon is very nice and it's realy a joy to see this shot.
Thank you so much, lovely moment
Sabine - wishnugaruda

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2419 W: 94 N: 5591] (17778)
  • [2009-11-05 12:52]

Hello Anna,
This is really amazing! A fantastic photo! Not only because this baboon is so cute, but also because of the technical top management. Perfect sharpness and details.The colours are superb natural. You've chosen the best possible composition.
TFS and regards,
Peter

Hi Anna,

lOVELY capture of a cute baby on its parent fromnice POV with nice details and fine composition.
TFS and greetings from snowy Bolkar Mnts.

Bayram

  • Great 
  • jmirah Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 506 W: 5 N: 1135] (4665)
  • [2009-11-05 13:07]

Hi Anna
Wow, what an excellent photo of the small baboon...Very well captured with great POV...TFS
Jim

hello Anna

congratulation to your winning photo and to the DSLR you win
with your Sony Cybershot DSC H9 bridge camera you are doing
great photos like DSLR qualities, now with a DSLR your photos
will be much more beautiful but i always mentionned you Anna
if you don't give the camera Sony Cybershot DSC H9 for your photos
a person can think it is shot with a DSLR the image qualities
of your photos are so excellent and DSLR quality

like this photo of this cute monkey baby, shot with fine POV,
superb focus great sharpness and details, beautiful eye colours
and a innocent lovely eye-contact of the baby monkey,

TFS

Asbed

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1110 W: 5 N: 3457] (12761)
  • [2009-11-05 14:30]

Hola Anna.
Sin duda esta es una muy bella imagen, llena de ternura que solo las madres saben dar a sus crios. La imagen lograda aqui desde un exelente angulo que permite observar finos y delicados detalles en la cara del pequeño mandril. Sus ojos fijos en su mirada reflejan la ternura que recibe y a la vez sabe dar.
Mil felicitaciones por este logro, y espero que con tu nuevo equipo fotografico nos des el gusto de poder admirar tus trabajos.
Gracias por compartir mi querida amiga Anna.
Luis Leal.

Hello Anna,

A great capture of this baby baboon taking a ride & just hold on. Beautiful composition, POV & fine details. Very well taken & thanks for all your efforts.

Congratulations on winning the photographic competition & well deserved!

Best wishes
Umar

Hi Anna...

What a great capture of this cute little one... so helpless and trusting. We should trust more for we are, as related to the BIG picture, helpless and dependent on Him. Detail is fantastic as well lighting and POV.

Larry

Very cute baboon shoot. THe reflection in his eyes are amazing

Hi Anna
Oh my goodness.... this is super cute. This young Baboon really made me chuckle when I had a good look. You captured the innocence of being a baby, I love the look on his face as well as his cute ears. This is really adorable.
Thanks, you made my day.
Janice

  • Great 
  • tuslaw Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 511 W: 20 N: 1393] (4863)
  • [2009-11-05 18:22]

Hello Anna,
The look on this little guys face and the way he's holding on for dear life is priceless. Perfectly composed with fantastic detail and very natural colors.!! Excellent original notes. TFS.
Ron

  • Great 
  • rcrick Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 717 W: 38 N: 1560] (5019)
  • [2009-11-05 20:41]

Hello Anna.

What a stunning shot, the detail is amazing, superb composition, and the look on the babys face is priceless, just wonderful,

all the best, cheers Rick :)

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3068 W: 231 N: 6168] (21078)
  • [2009-11-05 21:05]

Hi Anna,
That little guy is adorable indeed. Love those big ears.
He has such an intense look on him, especially for one so young.
Beautiful eyes.
I can't believe how sharp everything is. I can see every hair distinctly.
A great shot, and the first of many, I am sure.
Can't wait to see your and Loot's pics from your latest adventures.
TFS. ; )

Hallo Anna,
A spectacular photo of this one baby of Chacma Baboon. Great details that show a very kind animal. Congratulations by the luck of being able to see it in direct. Superb sharpnees and fine details. Interesting document and note.
TFS. Warm regards.
Ferran

Hi Anna,

'n Kosbare foto met gooie detail en gesigs uitdrukking. Ek hou veral van die highlights in die oe wat die aapie so lewend laat lyk. Ons het darem 'n bietjie reen gekry maar nog nie naastenby genoeg nie so al die ma's in die wildtuin sal moet nog bietjie uithou. My vraag is wat gebeur indien die reen nie kom nie?

Groete

robin

  • Great 
  • loot Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5452 W: 594 N: 3665] (10077)
  • [2009-11-06 1:54]
  • [+]

Hi Anna

Super cool shot. Somehow you seem to always get the best out of the monkeys and the baboons. That's maybe the reason why you've got me under your spell (chuckle).

This little "jockey" is out to win the July and the hearts of many TrekNature members. He's got the flair, the pose, the "aag shame" personality and the "ooooh isn't he so cute" looks. Great stuff. You've done well to capture the moment with such character. I've seen how this little guy hit the deck after he missed the mounting on to his mum. She basically ran all over him and it was just arms and legs, but he quickly recovered and the moment he had his seating restored your trigger finger was ready and you captured this magic shot.

Very well done and TFS
Regards
Loot

PS. Spreeeeeeeeeeeeu!!!

Hi Anna, like you we have also spent many happy moments in Kruger watching the antics of the baboons, especially the babies. When very small they hang underneath the mothers clinging on for dear life, when a bit older they tend to ride piggyback. This is a particularly good photo of such a piggyback rider, once again, well done!

  • Great 
  • zetu Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 663 W: 15 N: 1650] (6423)
  • [2009-11-06 4:05]

Hello Anna
Very cute this capture, i like details and natural colors, nice scene too.
Regards
Razvan

Hallo Anna,
you have captured this cute fellow in funny and nice pose with
good sharpness and DOF.
It's also well composed with a fine POV, the colours are fine and natural.
Best Regards
Gert
Have a nice Weekend

Hello,
A very good capture of this cute guy and a good composition. Very well seen.
Best wishes,
Achim

Terrible good immage of this lovely little monkey.Congratulations.Alin.

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1982 W: 6 N: 5529] (19689)
  • [2009-11-06 5:31]

Hi Anna,truely a nice scoop! Very tender pic,i like a lot the face of little baboon,top quality shot whit great sharpness and colors..very nice and different for the TN's gallery! Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano

hello Anne
splendidly funny face, exceptional close up with abundant detail,of his behavior and how it feels on the protection of back his mother,splendid output in colors and details,great photo!
keep on photographing! TFS
Nasos

  • Great 
  • mishe Gold Star Critiquer [C: 105 W: 0 N: 3] (924)
  • [2009-11-06 8:53]

Zdravo Anna!
Cute baby.
Sharpness,light and colors are excellent.
With best wishes,
Mishe.

  • Great 
  • PaulH Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1117 W: 23 N: 3672] (13129)
  • [2009-11-06 9:11]

Hi Anna,
well this is almost too cute! How amazing it must have been to see this baby with your own eyes. Great details and a huge amount of charisma in one shot, well done!
Paul

Las palabras que vienen de una buena fotógrafa se agradecen doblemente ya que todos sabemos de tu buen hacer.
Tu toma necesita pocos comentarios y sí mucho tiempo para admirarla. Realmente tierna. La luz es impresionante. Los ojos están captados con gran precisión.
Un abrazo y buen fin de semana Anna: J. Ignasi.

Hello Anna
What a great capture ! this little baby Baboon on his mom back is soo lovely
and taken with splendid sharp details, i LOVE his brown and shiny eyes so much
a very beautiful image
Have a great WE
Jacqueline

Hello Anna,
what a fantastic picture of this baby monkey taken with superb sharpness and marvellous natural colours, i like very much this harmonious composition with an intense eye contact and a splendid sinousity of the tail
TFS
Have a good weekend
Maurizio

Hi Anna,

Great capture.
Light,focus and definition are superb.
Good composition.

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3012 W: 162 N: 1012] (2959)
  • [2009-11-07 6:59]

Hello Anna,
What a cute little Baboon having a ride on its mum's back! It's certainly lovely to watch the behaviour of these little ones that always seem so perky! Really fine sharp details and lovely colours. Well composed too!
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

Hello Anna, very lovely shot of this cute baby.
TFS and regards,
Deniz

  • Great 
  • foozi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1347 W: 0 N: 2588] (9129)
  • [2009-11-07 17:48]

Hi Anna,
very lovely and cute presentation. The colours is so exciting in great sharpness.
Very well captured and the facial expression is wonderful.

Regards,
Foozi

Hello Anna,
Great shot with baboon baby riding on mother & tail as back support in African wilderness. Thanks for sharing.
Regards-Subhash
PS: I agree with Asbed for your cybershot with DSLR quality; may be its talented wo(man) behind the machine (chuckle).

Hello Anna! Nice monkey, very nice scene, good capture, perfect sharpness. Very good light and colours. Well done!

oh, this guy is so cute !!
very nice and deep shot
so compliment !!

Hello Anna,
Wonderful shot of this pretty baby on its mom's back.
TFS and regards, Bahadır

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3840 W: 190 N: 11430] (35227)
  • [2009-11-09 4:02]

Hello Anna,
A great capture of this very young Baboon holding tight on the back of its mother. The POV is excellent and taken with fine sharpness and colours against a pleasing OOF natural BG.
Must be a great entertainment watching these guys that must be a major attraction in Kruger.
Thanks for passing this on to us!
With kind regards,
Ivan

PS: I have had second thoughts on my latest image and though I am grateful for your kind critique I have decided to delete it in the hope that I can improve on it to post it later. Thanks anyway!
Ivan

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1392 W: 56 N: 4802] (16520)
  • [2009-11-09 10:37]

Hello Anna.
What a precious pose and expression. Fine details of this Young chacma with the great big eyes.Wonderful expression on his face.Great composition.Superb sharpness and detail.Best regards Siggi

Hello Ana,
Ah, I remember many of this little baboons, the baby are just so hyper and active. I love watching them. The older male can be agressive, especially those near the lodges we stay in Kenya. I was resting by the door doing some drawing, one of them walked by and approached me, I was actually scared. Anyway. This is a very lovely shot of the baby holding on to its mother. A very natural and lovely intemate moment between mother and child. Very good quality image as always. Thanks
Way

  • Great 
  • roges Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 627 W: 0 N: 574] (3284)
  • [2009-11-11 11:22]

Hallo Anne,

Splendid this macro. Exceptional details in this species of monkey playing. Very good and the description provided.
Best regards,
Adrian

Hello anna,

what a very cute picture from these monkey.
Exellent face expression and details.
Fine natural colours and thanks for your kindly words to me.

gert

Hi Anna,
yes, that is a shot that unites all the qualities of a perfect one: emotion, composition, great details. Should there be any allusion to me sitting on a bicycle?? :-) Keep pouring on your good stuff, Anna.

Best regards from cold-and-wet Switzerland
Dietrich

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2405 W: 63 N: 4227] (13822)
  • [2009-11-12 10:54]

Hi Anna,
I like the pose and expression you captured a lot :o) Very cute
TFS
All the best,
Selen

Bonjour Anna
Bravo, c'est une prise de vue rare, et tendre.
Merci pour cette nature si différente de celle de nos régions.
Amicalement
Laurent

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