Yet another photograph made early on at the Buffalo Zoo. Like the rest of my zoo pictures I think of them as environmental portraits, just like ones I have made of people in their homes or at work, etc. As previously before, I felt as though several of the subjects were looking at me as much as I was looking at them, their eyes penetrating right through me!

I feel that the pictures I made that day had a power to them that was and remains compelling to me. The subject aren’t people … in this case a gorilla … but it doesn’t matter to me. Maybe you have to be an animal lover as I am to think about them as you would people … and about the feelings they have. I’ve had five dogs in my life, each a true friend and companion.  Honestly, my life wouldn’t be the same without them. I’ve often felt better about them than many of the people I’ve known. So these pictures mean a lot to me and I visit them often.

As per previous entries, I used either my Nikkormat or Nikon F2 I finally was able to save up for.  The lens used was a Nikkor 50mm … either an f/2 or the f/1.4 I got with the F2.

These pictures were made over fifty years ago. And while my recollection of exactly what camera and lens I used is a bit fuzzy, my memories of that most important day are not!

Another meaningful picture that had a significant impact on much of the work to come.

Stay well,

Michael