I am currently photographing the snow monkeys with participants on my annual winter wonderland Hokkaido Wildlife Birding Adventure. The snow monkeys are a must visit for any photographer in Japan. This morning I waited on my favorite rock because of my years of experience with the snow monkeys, I know to sit there because the snow monkeys will come to say hello. Others before me were just standing there, and the monkeys are intimidated by the people standing and will stay away as a result. A sitting person is not a threat, so out of curiosity, the monkeys will approach and greet me, sometimes even brushing past me as they travel the perimeter of the hot springs. I know the best locations to sit and wait for the perfect photo opportunity. After 15 - 20 minutes, I have already taken my unforgettable photos, and I only give my participants the advice to share my location if they are so inclined to take their once in a lifetime photos using my trick of the trade while other visiting photographers are lugging huge tele-photo lenses to the hot springs spending hours trying to capture breathtaking photos, but most walk away an amazing photo op wasted because they lack experience with the Japanese macaque, better known as the snow monkeys. My Camera Settings on my D850 were 1/1000, f/8, ISO640. I used a higher ISO so I could hand hold and have an aperture of f8 I could have went to f11 but I am happy with the depth of field and results at f8.
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