For Jason: I raise you one alligator, a photo from South Carolina, South

Photographer's Note

This up close and personal of an alligator is not the best possible shot, but it *is* the best shot that was possible, at least if I wanted to come back to post it. It was taken on the grounds of Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, SC, from a tram that was taking us around the grounds away from the main part of the plantation, to see the various critters and landscape.

This guy was no more than 10-12 feet away, I think; I was forbidden to stand up, so I had to crane my neck over my wife, who was sitting next to me (and between me and the alligator!) to take this shot. These are very scary animals.

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jcpix (14030) 2014-03-13 18:31

Hi Roger,

A-ha...O.K., I call! What's wrong, why didn't you creep up any closer....oh, right...jaws of death! :o Glad you were smart enough to keep your distance, I think this fella would be more apt to take action faster than the buffalo...and wouldn't let go.

Great shot, I love this eye level composition and perspective...close enough for the detail, but at a safe reach. I like all ten fingers, it suits me well to keep them in tact. I also like that cool blue backdrop, setting a seemingly calm atmosphere...but we all know better, don't we? :)

So, I'm guessing your next post won't be one of your head placed gently between those razor sharp Chiclets? lol Have a good one, take it easy.

Friendly wishes from the West,

Jason

emka (158826) 2014-03-13 23:25

Hello Roger,

Nice close up and personal of this alligator. It looks sleeping. On Florida there are many of these guys and you can see them quite close during the trip in Everglades. There are also amazing shows when presenter puts the head inside the jaws. Alligators are blind and slower so they are less dangerous than crocodiles .
Nice shot for Jason.

WArm regrad s MAlgo

No_One (4) 2014-03-14 11:34

Hi Roger,
Scary, but very beautiful, I was amazed when I seen some of these guys up close in Florida as to the colors that run through their skin. I really like your composition here too, it seems as if we are taking in a moment of his spying. Watching, waiting for that one moment that will changes some other creatures life forever. Masterful use of DOF too.
all the best
Noel

ACL1978 (7511) 2014-03-14 19:28

Boy, good thing you kept my mother between you and the gator as a shield... but, the resulting shot is awesome. The detail is stunning, and clearly shows how close you were, but it;s the light that really elevates it, coming down at a perfect angle to accentuate the scales. And great DOF behind it as well.

Andrew

macjake (98544) 2014-04-06 12:15

Hi Roger
so you and Jason are having a battle of the most fearsome alligator haha

really like seeing the ridges on the back, that is super cool. I can understand why you took this photo at a length of 165mm :)

Happy Belated BDay!
cheers
craig