Iguana Smile
Colorful iguana from ground level. This is a pet and obviously very friendly.
Colorful iguana from ground level. This is a pet and obviously very friendly.
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Sep, 2013Views
1259
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Awards
Summer 2020
Featured
Contest Finalist in 1000 Reptiles Photo Contest
Peer Award
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Exceptional Contrast
Jaw Dropping
Top Ranks
Top 20 rank
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 30 rankTop 30 rank week 3Categories
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Behind The Lens
Location
Photo was taken at Kowiachobee Animal Preserve (Naples, Florida) of Spunky Taylor, an iguana that is loved by many! It is their mascot and usually accompanies them as they try to raise funds at public events and at schools.Time
The photo was taken in the morning light.Lighting
The lighting was soft and golden under the trees and I wanted to take advantage of this.Equipment
The photo was shot with a Nikon D7000, 70-300mm Nikon lens, F/4.5, ISO 200, 1/200. No flash was used. Some light came through the trees above.Inspiration
Many photos have been taken of Spunky. Most of them show him up on a table or on a tree limb. I wanted to get Spunky in his own environment so literally got down and crawled around in front of him and waited for him to move toward me. As he paused and tilted his head, I took this shot.Editing
The small amount of post-processing was giving the photo just a bit of vignetting. I like to use Nik's Color Efex for this effect and for general processing.In my camera bag
When I shoot animals at the zoo or at this animal preserve, I like to use my Nikon 70-300mm. It allows me to get intimate photos of animals, even if they are in cages. I now shoot with a Nikon D800 and this lens performs great with this camera too.Feedback
When shooting animals, be patient. Be ready with your camera settings and shoot away. My main advice is just be sure that you have adequate speed to compensate for the movement of the animal and the length of your lens. Get down to eye level of whatever animal you are shooting and be part of their world!
