Chimpanzee Dreaming

Black and White Fine Art Print 

Winner of Animal Portraits

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017

First Encounter with Totti Male Chimpanzee

I can still vividly remember my first encounter with these human-like creatures. Standing alone face to face with an alpha male chimpanzee meters away was exciting and unnerving. I was acutely aware of the strength and power of these primates. The piercing eyes of the chimpanzee chilled me to the bone. But I am getting ahead of myself.

I'm Peter Delaney, a wildlife photographer. I recently spent a week in Uganda to photograph mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. The assignment focused on the impact of conservation tourism on local communities and wildlife, offering a chance to capture images of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, whose habitats are increasingly threatened.

Fine Art Paper Hahnemühle Photo Rag:

Loose Unframed

This evocative black and white fine art print, titled "Chimpanzee Dreaming," captures the contemplative presence of an alpha male chimpanzee in Uganda's Kibale National Park. Printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag, the rich textures and deep contrasts are beautifully rendered, enhancing this award-winning portrait's intricate details and emotional depth. This exquisite print on fine art paper offers not just a visual experience, but a tactile connection to one of nature's most intelligent and captivating creatures.

Photographing Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park, located in southern Uganda, spans 766 square kilometres and sits 1,600 meters above sea level. It's one of Africa's richest ecosystems, home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, and a variety of other wildlife such as forest elephants, buffalos, and leopards.

Essential Gear for Rainforest Photography

Navigating the wet, humid conditions of the rainforest required lightweight, weather-sealed camera gear and durable hiking apparel. Good waterproof boots and lightweight gloves were crucial for trekking through the dense undergrowth.

The Challenge of Capturing the Perfect Shot

Photographing in the dim light of the rainforest with splashes of sunlight was challenging. With no tripods, monopods, or flash allowed, a good camera strap was essential for keeping the camera ready while trekking through the dense forest.

There are no hiking paths or trails through these ancient forests. Trekking was slow as we walked around giant Teak trees or climbing over fallen hardwoods that now fed fungi and was now home to snakes, frogs, ants and every other creepy-crawly your imagination can conjure up. I was beginning to get a foreboding sense of doom. Finding chimpanzees even with an expert ranger does not guarantee a sighting of these great apes. We had hiked through the dense forest for hours and only occasionally catching a fleeting glimpse of chimpanzees high in the canopy. Then in a flash, they were gone. I had not raised my camera to my eye once. I was getting increasingly anxious as the minutes ticked by. I had a plane to catch later that day. I had only an hour or so left before I needed to depart.

Then without warning a chimpanzee catapulted to the ground with an almighty thud. All around me felt like a battalion of paratroopers descending from the heavens to attack me. Thud after thud. Then a shout from the ranger, “they are hunting” The cacophony of deafening screams as chimpanzees ran on the ground and flew through the trees. We followed as fast as we could but it was all over within a few minutes and then an eerie silence descended. To this day those few minutes are just a blur of shapes and terrifying screams. I will never know if some unfortunate monkey suffered a cruel fate.

Trekking Through the Dense Forest

The forest had no hiking paths or trails, making trekking slow and challenging. We hiked for hours, occasionally glimpsing chimpanzees in the canopy, but they quickly disappeared. Time was running out, and anxiety grew as I had a plane to catch later that day.

Matte Canvas with Floating Frame:

Floating Frame | Ready To Hang

This evocative black and white fine art print, titled "Chimpanzee Dreaming," captures the contemplative presence of an alpha male chimpanzee in Uganda's Kibale National Park. Presented on matte canvas with a floating frame, this piece exudes a timeless elegance that complements the portrait's intricate textures and emotional depth. The canvas’s rich, matte finish combined with the sophisticated floating frame creates a striking centrepiece that brings the intelligence and resilience of one of nature's most captivating creatures into any space.

The Unforgettable Encounter

Suddenly, a chimpanzee catapulted to the ground, followed by a cacophony of deafening screams as they hunted. The chaotic scene ended in eerie silence. Deciding to take a gamble, I moved away from the group with the ranger's permission to search for chimpanzees on my own.

While resting on a fallen log, I felt piercing eyes watching me. I spotted Totti, an alpha male, displaying unexpected behaviour as he tried to woo a female chimpanzee. His forlorn expression as he lay back with arms outstretched was a perfect photographic moment. I composed the shot and captured what would become the award-winning black and white fine art print, "Chimpanzee Dreaming."

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Acrylic Glass Print:

Slimline Frame | Ready To Hang

This evocative black and white fine art print, titled "Chimpanzee Dreaming," captures the contemplative presence of an alpha male chimpanzee in Uganda's Kibale National Park. Encased in acrylic glass, this print gains a stunning depth and luminosity that brings the portrait's intricate details and emotional depth to life. The glossy finish of the acrylic glass enhances the contrast and textures, offering a contemporary and captivating display of one of nature's most intelligent and captivating creatures.

Author Peter Delaney