Iguana
San Carlos, Costa Rica
San Carlos, Costa Rica
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May, 2016Views
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Absolute Masterpiece
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Outstanding Creativity
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I took this picture from a boat on a jungle cruise in Jaco, Costa Rica. The river was in a very lush forrest filled with many iguanas, monkeys, two toed sloth, alligators, bats, and a variety of birds. It was situated very close to the border of Nicaragua. The landscape around use was just amazing; something very unique and unlike anything I had ever encountered previously.Time
This photo was taken in the middle of the afternoon. We were in the boat for a good part of the day and it kept raining off and on which made the setting even more spectacular. It was exactly as you would expect to happen deep in the forrest. As quickly as the rain would begin, it would stop. There really was something very magical about it.Lighting
Despite the fact it was the middle of the day, I found the lighting to be excellent conditions for my picture. I believe nature really helped me out. As a rain shower would be ending, I would pull out my camera and take advantage of the fresh droplets of water and catch the sun as it was just starting to come out so it wouldn't be too bright. The cloud cover was just enough so there wasn't too much brightness from the afternoon sun.Equipment
This shot was taken from my Nikon D5100 with an 18-200 mm lens. No other equipment was used.Inspiration
I was fascinated by all the animals and birds I saw in the jungle. This particular shot I captured really inspired me because of the color of the iguana. In all of my travels all over the world, I have never come across an iguana of this color or of this size. I was awed by the beauty of the iguana; as far iguanas go of course!Editing
This picture was shot JPEG, I have since been shooting with a Nikon D8100 and shoot RAW and wouldn't shoot any other way! I did do a bit of post processing but just to brighten up the color a bit with picassa at that time. The photo was taken in 2014. Since the time this shot was taken, I now use Adobe Lightroom mostly. Overall, the picture didn't need any editing, it was great by itself.In my camera bag
I carry my Nikon D8100 everywhere!! I LOVE that camera, I mostly shoot landscape and usually have the 300 mm lens on it. Lately I have been carrying my macro with me; its easy enough to tote around. I like to have my Sigma 150-600 f5-6.3 but that is a serious lens and don't carry it all then time. If I am going to shoot the moon I use a 1300mm. I don't usually capture people but have been known to once in a while. When I I do, like to have the Nikon D5100 with the 18-200 on it, It does take really nice photos. I like to have a monopod, tripod, and supplies to clean my lenses. I always make sure I have an extra memory card or two, an extra battery and a charger. I like to make sure I have a waterproof bag for my camera as well, just in case.Feedback
Costa Rica is an amazing country! I feel very grateful to have visited this friendly place three times. The climate is very different depending on where you visit. I would highly recommend getting to the jungle area at least once to see the unique animals and birds of the country. It truly is a unique experience and well worth your while. To see monkeys in the trees eating honeycomb, two toed sloth hanging out high above, bats in plain site, owls sleeping on the edge of the river, many, many iguana to be found! It is such an amazing photographer's dream!
