In 2017, I bought my first "big girl" camera; a Nikon D3400. I always wanted to know what I could do with a "real" camera. This Orangutan image was one of my first captures that truly showed who I wanted to be as a photographer. The simplicity of locking eyes with my subject is what makes me love this image. The soulful eye and simple gesture of a smile this orangutan emotes has made a lasting impression on this photographer and something to strive for in each image I capture.