Cool Hunting

home video gift guide Reader Finds archive Summer Playlist

Jill Greenberg: Monkey Portraits by Evan Orensten

Known for her celebrity portraits and more recently for her brilliant portraits of crying children, Jill is an accomplished photographer who became enchanted by our biological cousins and their pure emotional expression. We chatted with Jill today about her upcoming exhibit and new book, Monkey Portraits. Make that monkeys, orangutans, baboons, chimpanzees and macaques. We're offering a signed copy of this amazing book to one lucky CH reader. Read on for details.

CH: So how did this monkey thing start?

JG: Quite by accident. I was shooting a photo for a client that happened to include a monkey as part of a children's party scene a few years ago. When I saw the monkey I realized that I had to take the opportunity to take his portrait. I was blown away when I looked at the film the next day.

CH: It was that simple?

JG: I showed the photo to a gallery here in LA and they were supportive enough to hang one of them in the back of the gallery. People started asking about them, and over the next year or so I would hire monkeys and shoot them whenever I could. The gallery (Paul Kopeikin Gallery) eventually had a show of my portraits in 2004. One thing led to another and I found Simon Green, an agent in New York, who helped sell the idea for Bulfinch Press.

CH: And that led to the new show?

JG: Yes, my first show in New York.

CH: What's the best part about working with the animals?

JG: You dont have to make small talk or coddle their publicist.

CH: Who is more challenging to photograph, kids or animals?

JG: Hmm. They are both really hard. You just have to zen out and hope they hit their mark occasionally. You have to be really patient with your hands on the focus knobs...

CH: Did you bond with any of the animals?

JG: I like Rocky, the 1 year old orangutan that's with me in my author photo. The baby orangutans are the most friendly. They are really sweet, like little kids. (See photo, right)

CH: Do you have a favorite portrait from this series?

JG: I love Josh, the celebes macaque on the cover. I love his black hair and gold eyes and crazy facial structure.

Jill has graciously offered a signed copy of her book to the CH reader who sends in a photo of either their best monkey face or their favorite photo with a monkey. Send your entries to leti [at] coolhunting [dot] com with the subject "Monkeys" in the title of your email. All entries must be received by Monday 25 September 2006. We'll review the entries with Jill.The winner's photo will be posted on CH and they will receive a signed copy of her book. We will announce the winner later next week.