The “Almost Human” series explores the world of the Great Apes – Chimpanzees, Gorillas, Orangutans, and Bonobos. As our most closely-related counterparts, they are so much like Humans. The goal is to bring the viewer into their world and, through their expressions and interactions with each other, show the heart and soul of these magnificent animals. If the images can help people feel more compassionate toward them and want to better protect them, maybe we can all make the world a better place.
It has been said that “the eyes are the windows to the soul,” and I have found it to be true. Not only in people, but also in animals - especially in the great apes. My series “Almost Human” explores the eyes and expressions of these magnificent creatures, looking for the souls in our most closely-related counterparts. Chimpanzees, Gorillas, Orangutans, and Bonobos are so much like us that if you spend time with them, you can almost tell what they are feeling. Some are young and playful, some are old and wise, and some are shy and do not want to be bothered. They all have very different personalities and spirits. I want to show the heart of these beautiful animals so more people can find a deeper understanding and affection for them, and learn more about the conservation efforts in place to help them. What a better world it would be for man and apes alike.
The series began as a personal project and a trip to the zoo. I needed a creative spark and spent a day outside with the animals. I really enjoyed watching the apes because their expressiveness was captivating, the interaction between adults and children was precious, and their personalities were so distinct. Ultimately, special images were created that day, and the series was born.
Now I have photographed apes around the world. Some of the images are serious, some are playful; some are portraits, some are environmental; some will make you smile, others sad. Every day with these animals is different, and I always wonder what they will do next.
All the great apes are endangered, which makes bringing awareness of their plight even more important to the world. Their main threats are habitat loss and poaching. Unfortunately, humans – the fifth primate in the Great Ape family – are responsible for both. If people can learn to look at them as more than just trophies or pests to deal with, maybe we can learn to co-exist peacefully. As their closest relatives, we should protect them. Losing them would be a tragedy.