Comment from Jennifer Lancaster
He's so close! What a bucket list opportunity. He looks as if he's not amused almost like perturbed. Great capture of emotion of such a rare animal. Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 10-Nov-2023

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reply by the author on 11-Nov-2023

Hi Jennifer, thank you so much again for your great review. Yes it was the most amazing trip of a lifetime!

Comment from Maureen Woychyshyn
A very sweet and endearing photo presented here. Your composition shades and tones highlight this subject perfectly. Love the expression on his face. Very nicely done

 Comment Written 29-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 30-Oct-2023

Thank you very much Maureen.

Comment from Phil Holloway
I love his expression ... it almost says " I am exhausted ... quick take my photo so I can get back to resting" The brown of the eyes are beautifully captured. Well done.

 Comment Written 28-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 28-Oct-2023

Thank you so much for your review, I appreciate your time and your kind words.
Charlotte

Comment from MKFlood
Ain't I a handsome fella? You should have seen me when I was a chimp! Lol. Just teasing. Cool capture.the clarity is great. The angle of the shot of this handsome fella is great. The capture of the light is great. The presentation is balance and eye appealing to the viewer. Good eye and great job overall.

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 28-Oct-2023

Thanks Mark. A chimp? That?s a whole different species! Lol

reply by MKFlood on 28-Oct-2023

Not in the comic world..it's used as a size reference..wink

Comment from Susan F. M. T.
Charlotte,
A beautiful picture of this Silver back Gorilla looking down his nose at you the thistle's shadow on his chest adds interest. while the sun sparkles in his eyes & catches the shine on his glossy fur. Beautiful composition, framing & lighting taken with superb camera techniques & sharp focus.
Susan

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 28-Oct-2023

Thank you so very much for your lovely review and that extra star Susan!
Charlotte

Comment from Jewell McChesney
Look at this handsome fella! What a great shot you have here! He looks like he's really thinking about what he's been told. Your camera work is great. Perfect exposure and balance. The shadow of the leaf on his chest looks like a tattoo. (Smiling)
Thanks for sharing your story as well.

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2023

For a gorilla, it?s the height of fashion to have a thistle tattoo, did you not know that? Lol
Thank you very much indeed for your wonderful review and six stars!
Charlotte

Comment from seshadri_sreenivasan
Wildlife photos capture untamed beauty and grace. You shot this close-up shot of the mountain gorilla, which shows him in a pensive mood. This fine capture brings the viewer closer to the wild. Good luck in the contest!

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2023

Thank you very much Sesha.
Charlotte

Comment from Easton Bay
An amazing trip and amazing portrait of this mighty mountain gorilla. Unfortunate that they are endangered.
You've captured a soulful image, perhaps his dominant position in the group has been earned at a great personal cost. Glad you got up close and personal.
The image is sharp as steel and even captures a reflection of a nearby plant. Thank you for sharing both the story and superb image.

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2023

Thank you Bay, for your great review.
Did you ever see the heartbreaking film Gorillas In The Mist, about the work of Dian Fossey? It was these gorillas in Rwanda that she was working with.
Charlotte

Comment from helvi2
Hi Charlotte, How lucky and adventurous of you to trek up steep slopes to see the gorillas. I like the little bit of attitude this silverback has. I think it's a great photographic capture. Love the focus and lighting and the story behind your trip. Thanks for sharing this magnificent image! What a great image for the contest! Good Luck! :o) Nancy

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2023

Thank you very much Nancy! I used to have a T-shirt that said Just Do It - so I did! :)
Charlotte

Comment from nikman
A very good looking nature image posted here with good detailed notes. Your fine and full composition gives us a dramatic view of that handsome ape. Colours, textures and tones are good. Nicely done!

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2023

Thank you very much Nikman.
Charlotte