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Photographing Howler Monkeys in Costa Rica
Photographing Howler Monkeys in Costa Rica
by Russ Nordstrand
Howler Monkeys are a species of New World monkey found in tropical Central and South America. They are named Howler Monkeys because of their cacophonous (or very loud) cries that can be heard up to 3 miles away when in large groups. The males of this species have large throats and specialized shell-like vocal chambers that helps turn up the volume and therefore the audible distance in which they can be heard. The distinctive call of the Howler Monkeys are used as a territorial warning to other Howler Monkey groups that this particular area is already inhabited. The Howler Monkeys are the largest of the New World breeds with long beards and long, thick hair that can be black, brown or red.
Photographing Howler Monkeys in Costa Rica can be challenging due to the dark jungle canopies they inhabit. It generally takes some time to get them in the right light with an unobstructed view – look and listen. These animals are extremely intelligent, camouflaged and while curious about humans if you are not paying attention you could potentially miss them. As they get used to your presence in their natural habitat they will be more willing to show themselves.
In general, Monkeys are tricky to photograph and Howler Monkeys in particular are notoriously hard to photograph not because they are particularly elusive but because they spend the majority of their time in the treetops and therefore harder to spot than creatures on the ground. When you pay attention to their habits you are more likely to find them and get that perfect shot.
Howler Monkeys are most active in the cooler morning and evening hours – plus the lighting is better during these times so you can get a superior shot with good lighting and active animals. Since it is cooler during these times you are more likely to get amazing shots instead of the monkeys either sleeping during the heat of the day day.
The next tip is to find the perfect location to take the photo. When looking to take photos of monkeys it is best to find a decent backdrop. The reason for this is the monkey’s features might be washed out if you are taking the photo with the sky as your backdrop. Try to take the shot with decent coverage in the background like a building or a tree. The reason for this is that their features are not drowned out by the surroundings.
Eye level photography generally makes better compositions although almost impossible unless you are an expert tree-climber or Tarzan. At our Eco-Lodge in Costa Rica we stand on high platforms that give us incredible close-ups of all four species of monkey including Howlers – it’s pretty cool!
Flash is also an important tool as it can fill in shadow areas and increase your available shutter speed in poorly-lit jungle conditions.
Interested in photographing Howler Monkeys in Costa Rica? Join me on my Wildlife of Costa Rica Photography Tour & Workshop this year!
In general, Monkeys are tricky to photograph and Howler Monkeys in particular are notoriously hard to photograph not because they are particularly elusive but because they spend the majority of their time in the treetops and therefore harder to spot than creatures on the ground. When you pay attention to their habits you are more likely to find them and get that perfect shot.
Howler Monkeys are most active in the cooler morning and evening hours – plus the lighting is better during these times so you can get a superior shot with good lighting and active animals. Since it is cooler during these times you are more likely to get amazing shots instead of the monkeys either sleeping during the heat of the day day.
The next tip is to find the perfect location to take the photo. When looking to take photos of monkeys it is best to find a decent backdrop. The reason for this is the monkey’s features might be washed out if you are taking the photo with the sky as your backdrop. Try to take the shot with decent coverage in the background like a building or a tree. The reason for this is that their features are not drowned out by the surroundings.
Eye level photography generally makes better compositions although almost impossible unless you are an expert tree-climber or Tarzan. At our Eco-Lodge in Costa Rica we stand on high platforms that give us incredible close-ups of all four species of monkey including Howlers – it’s pretty cool!
Flash is also an important tool as it can fill in shadow areas and increase your available shutter speed in poorly-lit jungle conditions.
Interested in photographing Howler Monkeys in Costa Rica? Join me on my Wildlife of Costa Rica Photography Tour & Workshop this year!
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Russ Nordstrand is an award winning Landscape & Wildlife Photographer based in Homer, Alaska. His Fine Art Prints are hanging in private collections throughout the world and he runs Photography Tours & Workshops in the most beautiful and inspirational locations in the Western United States and beyond.
Russ has been hiking, backpacking, photographing and guiding people in the wilderness areas, deserts, canyons and mountains of the world since 1997. He has logged thousands of miles on the trail and for many years in the past decade over half of his nights were spent in a tent in some far flung outdoor destination.
His Photography reflects an awe and admiration of the great, wide and still wild world we live in. Often his subjects include towering canyon walls, mist shrouded mountain lakes or wildlife in their natural habitat. It also reflects a commitment to preserving these places for the health of our world and for those who come after.
It would be a lie to say he does it completely from an altruistic standpoint. Like any great outdoor photographer he loves the thrill of wild, remote places and the accomplishment of nailing that shot after waking up three hours before dawn and hiking in the dark!
Russ has been hiking, backpacking, photographing and guiding people in the wilderness areas, deserts, canyons and mountains of the world since 1997. He has logged thousands of miles on the trail and for many years in the past decade over half of his nights were spent in a tent in some far flung outdoor destination.
His Photography reflects an awe and admiration of the great, wide and still wild world we live in. Often his subjects include towering canyon walls, mist shrouded mountain lakes or wildlife in their natural habitat. It also reflects a commitment to preserving these places for the health of our world and for those who come after.
It would be a lie to say he does it completely from an altruistic standpoint. Like any great outdoor photographer he loves the thrill of wild, remote places and the accomplishment of nailing that shot after waking up three hours before dawn and hiking in the dark!
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.