#007 - Self Reflection

Uganda - 2021
 
At the center of the earth, in the middle of the rainforest and surrounded by a family of mountain gorillas whose behaviour and physical appearance is very similar to our own. Looking into those eyes is almost like looking into a mirror.
 
There I am, with the camera in full swing. 60 minutes is the time you are allowed with the gorillas once you have located them. The search for a good picture is frantic. The I quickly forget that I am in the middle of something that I have dreamed of for many years and something that is an impossible experience for various reasons.
 
Once I realised, I tear my eye away from the viewfinder and instead of frantically chasing the image, I just sit there and absorb all the sounds, smells and sights for a few minutes. 3-4 gorillas sit calmly eating around me. The feeling of acceptance is overwhelming.
 
The eye contact is brief but very intense, the photographer in me quickly takes over again and I resume the chase for a great picture.
 
I got my picture, I experienced the experience, but above all I took an indescribable feeling home with me. At that time I instantly knew that this would be one of those life-changing moments that I would go back to throughout my life.
 
This is an award-winning image
2022 - reFocus Awards - Honorable Mention