The Silver back, a photo from Nord, East

Photographer's Note

The single location on Earth, where mountain gorillas live. Beautiful animals, fantastic face play and gestures. It was a unforgettable experience meeting animals who are in the evolution chain the closest to us. They seem to think like people about what to do next, unlike other animals they share food with other group members and live in family like groups. This is the most senior male of the group. These guys are old enough that they have silver hair on their back and are called after that. He was the leader of a group of about 20 gorillas and also behaved like that. Very egocentric, requesting respect from the others and selfish.

© 2009 - All rights reserved. The photos taken by Michael Trezzi are registered and copyrighted. Use in any form (web, paper publication, public exposure, etc.) is strictly forbidden without the written permission of the photographer. To contact the Author please use the „Contact Me“ link on his TrekEarth Intro page.

thea0211, gelor, jaywalker, atus, gabrielpat, Hellas has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

thea0211 (1365) 2007-04-02 3:07

hi michael,
he does look like us, doesn't he? good portrait of a handsome 'model' :)!
pity you coldn't get even closer.
tfs,
dora

gelor (3229) 2007-04-02 4:54

Bonjour Michael,
Très très joli portrait de ce cousin ! Exceptionnel ! Merci.
Gérard

travel-mirko (250) 2007-04-03 15:09

Hi Michael,
Wonderful picture. it remembers me on the time I had with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi last October. It was an incredible moment. A very nice silverback. he looks very strong. Good sharpness and fine colors. I'd wish to track them again in the virunga volcanos in Rwanda...
thanks for sharing
Regards
Mirko

jaywalker (16061) 2007-04-05 7:31

Hi Michael, A brilliant close up of this magnificent beast, the detail you show is excellent, it always amazes me that the gorilla is both powerful & yet so gentle, the shallow DOF has brought him out wonderfully well, kind regards Wilson.

atus (15808) 2007-04-08 17:48

Hi Michael,
what a fantastic portrait of the chief! Very well captured shot of a great clarity, wonderful details and fantastic dof.
Very well done! Tfs and Happy Easater!
Attila

steveegg (418) 2007-04-08 18:12

Hi Michael,

The detail and lighting make this gorilla look so close you could touch him. This 3D feel is heightened by the shallow DOF.

Would that they were all only ever shot by cameras.

gabrielpat (7163) 2007-04-25 16:42

superb shot,it would have more success on TN,but thanks for sharing.;)

sadeik (3264) 2007-05-10 15:41

I was looking at this one and one of my children were looking over my shoulder "hey that you Dad" what great children I have! And they didn't read the note either which I am sure they would agree with in any case. There again what a handsome beast, a very nice portrait of this Silverback.

Simon

capthaddock (28790) 2007-06-08 13:51

Fantastic timing Micheal, it must have been quite an experience observing these animals at close proximity in the wild, well, I see you used a long lens, but the image is so clear, the animals seems very close to the camera.

dvlazar (6644) 2007-10-14 15:47

Michael - Ive been enjoying your images of Africa - and this gorilla is very inspiring. Such an up close and personal shot - and its sharp and well lit! Perfect!
well shot,
Dave.

Hellas (6487) 2008-08-05 4:31

Yes, recently I read an article about those leaders, very interesting! Very proud animals and as you said the closest to us! My son loves very much animals as every child I think, therefore the wildlife. Today I am going to show your photo to him. I am sure he will be amazed at the view! The zoom is very good, Michael, keeping fine details and natural colors.

TFS and regards,
Athanasios.

Curioso (9271) 2009-10-03 14:53

Very touching picture especially when we know how rare are those scenes. To tell the truth, it`s still possible to find Silver back outside of those mountains, in Cameroon for instance in the deep forests from the south or the east. Though, they are especially difficult to track.

Your picture is excellent and represent a great testimony about wild life. Cheers.

Steven