Image of the Week (May Week 3)

One of my favourite trips photographing wildlife was going to Borneo way back in 2010 – so at a time when I was still learning the art of wildlife photography.  The rainforests of Borneo provided for challenging conditions.  Under the tree canopy is dark and yet there are strong specular highlights through gaps in the tree.  Added to this, animals high up in trees, fast moving, and prone to throwing things at photographers.  The forest floor is also home to dangerous snakes such as the Pit Viper!  This week’s selection focuses upon the very entertaining Proboscis Monkey, so named because of its extraordinary nose.  I love these animals – they are playful, deeply social and always communicating and ‘reading’ the sounds in the forest.

My final image, the Image of the Week is a portrait of these beautiful and intelligent creatures and one that has brought me success in international competitions.  The monkey was sat very close to me and was clearly in contemplative mood.  I think the image captures not only his mood but also a sense of his character and personality.  The bright lighting conditions also allowed me to show the texture and colours of his fur and the hairs on his nose!