Hitchhiker
While doing a bit of gardening in the Catskill Mountains I came across three toads, two who are featured here. They were very calm and serene....
Read more
While doing a bit of gardening in the Catskill Mountains I came across three toads, two who are featured here. They were very calm and serene.
Read less
Read less
Aug, 2015Views
8924
Likes
Awards
Zenith Award
Contest Finalist in Wildlife Families Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Wildlife Babies Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Low Vantage Point Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Monthly Pro Vol 27 Photo Contest
Featured
Contest Finalist in Below My Knees Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Miniature Masterpieces Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in More Of The Same Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Adorable Baby Animals Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Superior Skill
Love it
Genius
Emotions
Impressed
Happy
Top Ranks
Top 30 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 30 rankTop 30 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken upstate New York in the Catskill Mountains on the lawn of my lake house in Delaware County.Time
It was an August evening when the sun was still out but right before it started setting.Lighting
The lighting was perfect as it wasn't too harsh and was soft enough to bring out the two toads' natural textures and color differentiations. I love shooting in the early evening!Equipment
I had my back-up camera as I was gardening and always keep a camera close by. I used my Canon EOS SL-1 with my 55-250 telephoto zoom lens. It was light equipment and perfect to be moving around while crawling to get the right angle.Inspiration
I had just watered the grass and included a mossy tree stump which I love as it adds some natural beauty to the lawn. I came across this large female toad and also saw two baby toads around the stump. One baby crawled into a hole at the stump base but this little guy was a climber. I took some of him and the big toad alone and was delighted when he climbed up on her back and she didn't move! It was a really cute moment and I was glad I caught it on film. I moved around and took some head one as well as from the sides. This angle was my favorite as it looked like a baby getting a ride from its mother.Editing
I am not big on post-processing other than mild saturation and cropping when necessary. I appreciate some of the masterpieces others create with computers, of course, but I personally prefer good old-fashioned natural shots.In my camera bag
I carry a Canon EOS 70D, the SL-1, and a PowerShot point and shoot. I have many Canon lenses but my favorite is the 28-300 zoom lens. I find it the most versatile for capturing animals. I also have fixed lenses for landscapes and for macro shots but I don't use them as much.Feedback
First and foremost, always have a camera nearby! I have captured some incredible moments with little point-and-shoots so never discount the kind of equipment you have. It's more important to have a camera handy. When outside gardening, you will come across some amazing little creatures so be prepared to capture them. It's important to get down to eye-level as much as possible to really get a cool image. It's also imperative to catch the light in the eyes where possible. If you can crawl on your belly or kneel down - do it! Most photographers like the morning light (and rightly so) but I'm a night person so I find the dusk hours magical. If you can get off a few shots before the sun goes down you will be rewarded with beautiful images with enhanced colors. Good luck and always look down in case you miss something adorable hopping around!
