 |
| Japanese Macaque Also known as a Snow Monkey Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, Nagano Prefecture, Japan March 31, 2012 |
These photos were taken yesterday in Nagano Prefecture at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. It is the famous place for wild Snow Monkeys bathing in a hot spring.
I recommend you click on the Official Jigokudani Website for more information.
After years of thinking about going, it was pouring with rain when we finally got there. It was pouring rain in the morning as we were going there. It was pouring with rain while we were there. It was pouring with rain when we left.
After we left, it snowed, and many more monkeys went into the spring. Ain't it the way?
Luckily, the night before we went I went into a camera store and bought rain coats for my cameras. I saw that the forecast for the weekend was for rain so I thought I'd prepare for it. Lucky I did, as I had imagined drizzly, soft rain and cloud but actually it rained quite heavily. I carried two heavy bags with cameras and lenses but couldn't change lenses in the conditions. Actually I didn't really watch my camera settings at all as I was just battling to keep them dry while balancing an umbrella. I'm happy with what I got in the conditions and think the rain actually added atmosphere. I know some photos are very dark but I like them that way.
I hope to go back someday. I recommend you go there too!!
 |
| Above and below: Shibu Onsen is the last of a string of hot spring villages leading towards the Monkey's Onsen (the Monkey's hot spring). We stayed there. |
 |
| Walk to the Monkey's Onsen |
13 comments:
They look much healthier than the captive ones in Hakodate!
Hi!
Stunning serie
Greetings from Sweden
/Ingemar
Russell, This is amazing! They look almost human. What a special treat. Luck you!
Great stuff and some pics are really funny too!
I love the third one, mom and her offspring: what a beautiful portrait!
I can only imagine the pain to keep the equipment dry!!
I still haven't dared tried an outing under the rain! LOL!
Well done :)
Hi Russell
Theses are amazing photographs. Its as if you've asked them to pose for you. Superb stuff mate.
Hermosas fotos.
Saludos desde España
Looks an amazing place to visit Russell with a monkey I never heard of. really like your pictures which look like they captured the essence of the creatures. Hope it stops raining soon - bad for cameras.
Japanese Macaques are always such an interesting subject to photograph. They're so full of emotions, just like human. Great to see them taking onsen. In the south, it seems like there's no need for them to take a hot bath.
Wonderful photos of stunning creatures. So much expression in their faces!
Amazing creatures and full of personality.
You did an amazing job under the circumstances. The faces on the monkeys are wonderful. How exciting to be able to capture these!! Well done!!
These are simply amazing! I love the faces of the monkeys. How exciting for you to capture these awesome creatures.
Beautiful work, Russell.
Post a Comment