Kyoto, Japan

It’s quite amusing seeing the monkeys in the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, especially the young ones. Quite funny watching them lean over the edge of the pond, trying to catch the carps without getting wet or worst, fall in. Then there are other moments like this, where there’s a lot of tenderness.

My wish came true when the little one turned his/her head and stared at me. I took the shot and left. I didn’t want to interrupt his/her lunch. During the visit, I quickly realised a 70-200 mm lens would have been perfect for this place. Not only to avoid getting too close to the monkeys and interrupting their activities but also to capture some close portrait photos. I would’ve like that. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to walk amongst them but you tend to scare them off when approaching to capture a moment. A long lens would’ve avoided all that.

75 mm, 1/2500th second @ ƒ/2.8, ISO 800