Northern Water Snake

[Andrew McLachlan]

It is official. I went the entire summer without seeing any adult bullfrogs in the wetland at the cottage on Horseshoe Lake. The lake level remained roughly 2 feet higher than usual for the entire summer. I am thinking that this may have something to do with the absence of the bullfrogs in the wetland as the higher lake level allows large mouth bass and other predatory fish into areas that they are usually unable to access. During my stay at the cottage last week I did however encounter several Northern Water Snakes. Many of the days were rather cool, which allowed for snakes that were more tolerant of my approach as they tried to stay warm by basking on logs and such.

Nikon D500
Nikon 24-85mm VR lens @ 52mm (35mm equivalent = 78mm)
ISO 500
f8 @ 1/800 sec
handheld from canoe

Looking forward to comments and suggestions.

[Marc Mol]

A cracker of an image here Andrew, the detail, soft/diffused light, water lillies, log framing and crop all working together nicely IMO.

The D500 & 24-85 must be a wonderful (relatively) light weight canoe package here Andrew.

Only thing I'd change is your sig is a little too overpowering for my taste and draws my eye away a tad.

TFS

[haseeb badar]

What a super image Andrew , loved the quality of the light and fantastic settings to go with. How well the beautiful looking subject fits in these settings is nicely conveyed . Enjoyed viewing this frame .

TFS !

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Andrew - Too bad about not finding any of your favorite subjects. This works as a good substitute though. I like the use of dof to draw the eye to the head. Nice detail and tones. I do wish the stump of the branch was not so prominent.

TFS,
Rachel

[Daniel Grossi]

Exposure, focus and colors are dead on Andrew - wonderful shot. I don't need to tell you that the head angle isn't very appealing, but it really doesn't take much from this shot as an environmental. Not much you could have done about that stump coming out of the log. Regarding your watermark, I agree with Marc, it's a bit large. Maybe reduce it in size a bit.

[John Mack]

Nice environmental image here good detail on the snake and log. Too bad about the bull frogs. That's the way she goes.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Andrew, rather you than me with any snake .

I like everything, but it's that big 'stump' that keeps drawing my eye, even if it's slightly OOF. Sadly from the position I doubt there was a better angle.

TFS
Steve

[Andrew McLachlan]

Thanks folks for the comments, they are much appreciated! Yes, sadly I could not get into a better angle without bumping the floating log with the canoe which would have spooked the snake, however, I do have some alternate frames captured from further away with the 200-500 lens...will try to post one of those in a day or so.

Steve....I will try my best to bring you back lots of snake pics from Peru Wouldn't a full grown Bushmaster be lovely

[Steve Kaluski]

Steve....I will try my best to bring you back lots of snake pics from Peru. Wouldn't a full grown Bushmaster be lovely

You are too kind Andrew, but I will take your word on the Bushmaster . Safe Travels Andrew.