Gator's Eye
Feb, 2015Views
1443
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Awards
People's Choice in Just Under the Surface Photo Challenge
Top Choice
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Emotions
Impressed
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photograph was made at a pond in Fontainebleau state park in Louisiana.Time
I was there, if I remember correctly, around 2-3pm.Lighting
I had absolutely no control over the lighting. I had just brought my camera to the park with me and found this image there.Equipment
This was shot on my old Nikon D3100 with a 70-300 f4-5.6 Sigma macro lens.Inspiration
This gator popped up in the water probably looking for food. I am assuming that people feed him even though there are signs saying not to. He got pretty close to me. At one point I was probably 5-7 feet away from him. This was one of many photographs that I made with this animal. I thought that his eyes would be the coolest part about it.Editing
I did basic light and color correction. I also enhanced the eye with a touch up brush. I brought the exposure, highlights, clarity, and sharpness up on it specifically. I did similar corrections to the reflection.In my camera bag
Typically when I have my bag on me I have my Nikon D7100 these days, a 50mm f1.8, a 35mm f1.8, and a 70-300 f4-5.6 macro lens. Sometimes I will carry a flash with me if I think I might need it.Feedback
I tried not to disturb this animal. Since it was a taken in a popular state park, it was very used to humans and did not feel threatened by me. This allowed me to get very close. I was making sure that I was on my feet and ready to move just in case. I took multiple photos of this alligator, most of which look quite different. The best tip I can give is to keep trying different angles. Rotate 360 degrees around and 180 degrees up and down if possible until you find the best composition.
