TOKYO-2020 Book / Nature

The People of The Forest

  • Prize
    Gold in Book/Nature
  • Photographer
    Mark Edward Harris
  • Technical Info
    Nikon Cameras And Nikkor Lenses, Stella Pro And Profoto Lights
  • Photo Date
    2019

The expression “Eyes are the windows to the soul” is usually associated with humans but when photographing other great apes (humans join orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos in this category) it’s clear that there are sentient beings behind the eyes looking back through the lens. I’m focusing on orangutans, because, while the future for many species is uncertain, orangutans in the wild are hanging on by a particularly thin vine due to habitat destruction in their native Sumatra and Borneo where forests give way to palm oil plantations.