Annie was kind enough to let me take some photos of her in the greenhouse this afternoon during lunch. In close, tight shots like these, my attention is often drawn towards some of the differences between us – notice her protruding brow ridge, her flat nose, her elongated palms and fingers, her small thumbs, and her opposable big toes. Of course, you can’t help but notice the similarities as well – her eyelashes, her fingernails, the wrinkles in her skin.
Later, I found Jamie sitting in the “portrait studio” area and she was gracious enough to let me photograph her for a while. One notable difference between humans and chimps is that most chimpanzees have dark sclera – that’s the portion of the eye surrounding the pupil and iris. There’s something about the contrast provided by the dark sclera that makes the iris almost glow in a certain light.
Jo says
They really are magnificent creatures and I find them so appealing!! I’ve wondered about the dark eyes so thank you for answering that! Thank you also for the pix and commentary ~ I send you all love and hugs!
Heather says
Wow! I love looking at them and their beauty in their differences and similarities…. but i never noticed the dark sclera! So interesting and amazing! It definitely does make the eyes stand out. I love to try and guess the identity of each of them by their characteristics. ??
Sharon says
wow what fantastic pictures.so detailed and beautiful…thanks for sharing..they are all so unique and funny…
Kathleen says
When I look at the chimps I notice our similarities, how can you not notice and be touched by this!? But I also focus on how wonderfully different we are. It is so beautiful to see how, as individuals, we are different. I celebrate and embrace these differences. It is our differences that make us unique and special.
As far as the eyes go, thank you for giving me a name for the black area around the chimps eyes. I volunteer with shelter dogs and they too have this lovely darkness around their pupils making their eyes pop. I often design graphic images around the likeness of these dogs and it always impresses me how their eyes become something so special in my rendering because there is no white to their eyes. Like chimps, their eyes are set in this dark background, it is so captivating to me. Now I have name for it — sclera. Thank you J.B.! Over the years I learned so much from you, thank you. ; )
Kathleen says
I want to add one more thought! When I see Jamie head on, like in her first photo, I see a strong powerful woman. But when I look at the second photo, when I see Jamie from this perspective, she looks more ‘frail’ and delicate to me. Seen head on, Jamie’s eyes send a message of strength, intelligence, and even power, beauty. She is amazing.
Nancy says
Your ability to focus on these very personal details speaks highly of the connection you share, and are thereby allowed to portray. Thanks so much!