This shot was actually taken during daylight. I like the original, but due to its simplicity, decided to try a graphic presentation for the contest.
The element of the photo that got my wife and I was the clear water. Not much of that in Gator country. You will rarely get to see the whole gator swimming.
Not much adjustment involved in this one. I cloned out a couple of distracting leaves and used the light, with the orange'ish glow, to give the mystique of the night, as well as sharpening the image slightly. Other than that, it's just another stealth gator on the prowl.
A nice "dark night" feel to this one. I like the ray of light down the center. The eye could use some more definition. I like the splash just above the head.
I looked at the placement of the gator when composing the image for posting. I didn't crop anything, from the original, as I felt the lower image enhanced the feel of stealth that I was after. Centering it more would have made it the subject. However, the real subject is the "night" from whence the gator enters.
As for the eye, similar comment. As the light was from the backside, I felt the eye would not be boldly displayed. It is clear, though not as prominent as it would be if it were on the lit side of the gator.
The whole effect that I saw and tried to convey, was that the gator was slowly coming into the scene from the darkness.
While I really appreciate the comments and would so change somewhat in a straight shot, I think it would not convey the image in it's best "light"! :)