Adrian Binney, EPSA, LRPS
July 2026 - Cotton-top Tamarin
Original
About the Image(s)
We were luck enough to see these in March when at Cartagena do Indias, Colombia (Caribbean coast). This port is unique anywhere in that to get in or out one has to go through a number of vast old trees, in which there are wildlife. Some are caged but a number of birds, monkeys and other species come and go freely - the port employs a few people to feed and care for the environment amongst the trees. These chaps (about 4 with young ones which were well hidden) were there and I only found them by going into the undergrowth where visitors rarely go - I looked for them as a professional photographer I know saw them here last year.
They are incredibly small - weighing 300-500 grams and about 15cm tall and critically endangered - less than 6,000 (so good news there were young here). They only are found in tropical rain forests in N W Columbia.
Anyway, I eventually got a few clean shots, of which this is probably the best.
Details - Olympus gear at 400mm (for FF 800mm) 1/640 f 6.3 ISO 4,000. There was very little light where they were hiding, so I used the slowest speed I dared. PP in Lightroom.
5 comments posted
What a lovely shot of this little tamarin. You were very lucky to see one in the wild! I've only ever had the opportunity to photograph them at the zoo, and I was amazed at just how small and incredibly fast they are.
This is a very appealing image with excellent detail, good eye contact with the viewer, and a lovely pose. I think you've done a great job with the editing as well, especially by brightening the face and using a tighter crop to eliminate the distracting highlights in the background.
My only suggestion would be to include the entire foot in the crop if possible, as I think it would make the composition feel a little more complete. Posted: 07/16/2026 07:25:33