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Thread: American Alligator

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    Default American Alligator

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    Dottie and I saw this guy in the water while looking for birds to photograph. We didn't expect it to cross out path about 30 to 40 feet ahead of us, but this is the time of year the males are roaming looking for love. The one the killed the little two year old at Disney recently was probably a little smaller than this 10 to 11 footer. Comments and critique welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for viewing.

    Nikon D7000
    Nikon 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VRII AF-S ED shot at 185mm (277mm FFE)
    1/1600 F/5.6 Matrix Metering 0 EV ISO 560 AWB, camera supported by a monopod
    Post processed in Lightroom CC and Photoshop CC
    Cropped for composition and presentation
    Joe Przybyla

    "Sometimes I do get to places just as God is ready to have somebody click the shutter"... Ansel Adams

    www.amazinglight.smugmug.com

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Joe, this is a far strong image compared to the previous posting in all respects. Techs look good likewise the PP, albeit viewing on the laptop. Personally, I would loose about half the FG and add some above for a stronger composition. I wonder if you had moved a bit more to the right, then the 'tram' lines of road/grass join may have created a cool 'V' shape to lead the viewer to the subject, almost funnelling down.

    Yes, it was sad news about the 2 year old, but I thought they did say it was between 4-6ft, either way, an animal you have to be respectful of.

    TFS
    Steve

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    Joe,what an amazing sight,please forgive,but big crocodilians are not something i've ever seen in their habitat only in zoos, I also love my reps and phibs,so this is a real pleasure to view for me.

    My first impression was he's a bit close to the top for me I see after reading Steve's post he's mused similar,only with more details added,which I also found fascinating. for me less foreground and more up top might add depth to your composition because of the track leading away. Ahh Joe, the sheer power of these amazing apex predators,even though he's just out for s stroll it's so evident in your frame.

    take care

    Stu

    Joe thanks so much for this one

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    Steve and Stuart, thank you for viewing, commenting and suggesting improvements. There is more to the story with this beast. If he had not emerged from the grass in about five minutes either Dottie or I would have been right next to him. The amazing thing is that it was perfectly silent when crossing the road, no noise, nothing. Like an apparition it emerged crossed the roadway and was gone, leaving only a trail in the grass. Here is another of the same alligator (the frame before the previous post). I think some of your suggestions are reflected in this image. Thanks again.
    Joe Przybyla

    "Sometimes I do get to places just as God is ready to have somebody click the shutter"... Ansel Adams

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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    Hi Joe - I agree with Steve, this is much better than your other recent posting of a gator. I would still go with a pano crop just with more room on the top and about have the space below on the 2nd frame cropped out. These guys can move fast so good that you gave it room and didn't come directly across it (especially if unintentional). Nice sharpness. The only other thing I would suggest is reducing the cyan and blues in the shadows, especially along the edge of the road.

    It would also be great if you would give your thoughts on a few more Wildlife images.

    TFS,
    Rachel

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    Hi Joseph -- Agree with all the comments above ! I too would opt for a pano crop with some more space on the top and cutting from the bottom . Slight colour adjustments are needed as mentioned , but overall a very nice image .

    TFS !

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    Lifetime Member Andre Pretorius's Avatar
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    Hi Joe

    Our Crocodiles here have been filmed stealing a kill from a pride of Lions...not a critter I would like to encounter on foot...
    Any idea what what part of the anatomy is behind rear leg?
    Agree on comp and bit of blue cast.
    He looks more menacing here than your previous posting!
    Regards

    Andre.

    www.gappimages.com

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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    Hi Joseph a very fine specimen .. you have captured
    RP works better for me in terms of color and tone , i would also go for more pano crop .
    In the field it would have been great to get down on the belly for a lower POV and a very smooth fading in FG / BG ..... if you are a strength person .... and not so much afraid of these guys .
    Nice options in this image for improvement

    TFS Andreas

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    Thanks everyone for viewing, commenting, and suggesting improvements. Very much appreciated...

    Andre, I think that part of the anatomy behind the rear leg is the penis. I did a quick search of the internet which seems to back that up. I also discovered and news article from the UK saying that scientists have discovered that male alligators have a permanent erection, when not being used it is just pulled inside. This time of year the hormones are quite high in the male alligators causing them to act different than normal.

    Andreas, I take your suggestion regarding getting down on my belly under advisement, so to say. Unfortunately or maybe fortunately this guy can move faster than my 73 seasons plus being overweight will allow, I just do not move fast anymore. Alligators appear slow but they can move really, really fast when it suites them. Nature's perfect ambush hunter.

    Thanks again everyone...
    Last edited by Joseph Przybyla; 06-28-2016 at 03:34 PM.
    Joe Przybyla

    "Sometimes I do get to places just as God is ready to have somebody click the shutter"... Ansel Adams

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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    OK Joseph .... fully understand your restrictions .... appreciate your thoughts in not doing so ..... an acrylic cage around yourself might help ....

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    Hi Andreas, yes and a motorcycle like yours for a fast getaway...
    Joe Przybyla

    "Sometimes I do get to places just as God is ready to have somebody click the shutter"... Ansel Adams

    www.amazinglight.smugmug.com

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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    Oh yes , LOLOL

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