I'm just back from another week in Florida and whilst trying to get over the jetlag thought I'd proccess an image or two. Didn't take many shots this time round as I've had a trapped nerve giving me grief in my shoulder but still got a few shots here and there.
This alligator was sitting in some pretty ugly looking water (read as dull, reflecting grey skies and very choppy from the wind) near some fishermen at Loxahatchee Reserve which is part of the Everglades. I took a few shots but the water just looked awful and distracting so I decided to experiement a little to make the most of the situation. I went for a slow shutter to try and smooth it out a little, lose some of the light reflections it was creating in the waves and give a slightly more surreal feel with that misty look where he meets the water - rather than defined lines. Took loads of shots as the gator was moving in the water a little so had many attempts to get him sharp! Not sure if it's a success or not but here it is...oh and that's a Red Tailed Pennant on its head I believe.
D3 with 200-400 VR, 1/5 second, 340mm, ISO 200, f25, resting on the edge of the concrete path about 3 foot above water level (the fishermen assured me it was safe )
What you call a mysterious shot.
I like the misty effect and the sharp head.eyes.
Posted by Andy Astbury on February 7, 2009 at 4:39 AM
Now THAT is what I call a cool shot - imaginative image Richard
Posted by Rob Ashton on February 7, 2009 at 5:01 AM
I like it when photographers think on their feet and don't give in because of imperfect conditions. Well thought out and executed. This really stands out from the crowd and is detailed where it needs to be and has a great feel to it.
Rob
Posted by jack chapman on February 7, 2009 at 5:11 AM
great shot, really like this, the alligator seems to just merge into the water
Posted by Barry Southon on February 7, 2009 at 5:28 AM
Richard
Well caught that really works well.
Barry
Posted by Gary Beers on February 7, 2009 at 5:43 AM
Very unusual and interesting. You have caught the Alligator exceptionally well here, just as I remember them, full of latten menace, a killer just waiting to strike, sends a shiver down you back.
An excellent capture, well seen and executed.
Posted by eric weight on February 7, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Excellent thinking and it has really paid off. The way that the alligator melts into the grey water contrasts superbly with the brightly coloured eyes and the dragonfly is just the icing on the cake. eric
Posted by Tim Gregory on February 7, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Thats a killer Richard! (no pun intended ) Got such a villainous look about him.. Really well taken, and would expect this to win prizes.
Posted by Richard Peters on February 8, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Thanks all for the replies. I really wasn't too sure if this worked or not so good to know it seems it does! I know I wanted it to but you know how you get attached to your own images
One thing shooting at f25 did was show me how dirty my sensor was
Discussion
14 repliesI'm just back from another week in Florida and whilst trying to get over the jetlag thought I'd proccess an image or two. Didn't take many shots this time round as I've had a trapped nerve giving me grief in my shoulder but still got a few shots here and there.
This alligator was sitting in some pretty ugly looking water (read as dull, reflecting grey skies and very choppy from the wind) near some fishermen at Loxahatchee Reserve which is part of the Everglades. I took a few shots but the water just looked awful and distracting so I decided to experiement a little to make the most of the situation. I went for a slow shutter to try and smooth it out a little, lose some of the light reflections it was creating in the waves and give a slightly more surreal feel with that misty look where he meets the water - rather than defined lines. Took loads of shots as the gator was moving in the water a little so had many attempts to get him sharp! Not sure if it's a success or not but here it is...oh and that's a Red Tailed Pennant on its head I believe.
D3 with 200-400 VR, 1/5 second, 340mm, ISO 200, f25, resting on the edge of the concrete path about 3 foot above water level (the fishermen assured me it was safe
I like the misty effect and the sharp head.eyes.
Rob
Well caught that really works well.
Barry
Brilliant
Simon
Big congrats,
Edwin Kats
Lee
An excellent capture, well seen and executed.
One thing shooting at f25 did was show me how dirty my sensor was