NkemD

The Lone Gator

Once upon a time, it was almost spring time, and the weather was just right in Sugar Land, Texas; not too hot, not too cold. The skies were scattered in whites ...
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Once upon a time, it was almost spring time, and the weather was just right in Sugar Land, Texas; not too hot, not too cold. The skies were scattered in whites and blues cloud pockets. The cool, gentle breeze allowed the birds to cascade in mid air, and the squirrels to actually take time in munching on those nuts that had fallen from trees. As I was loving and appreciating Nature and its beauties, I saw it...the lone gator. My children had just rode their bikes through the nature trail a walking distance from our home. I was excited as always, each time I see one or two of the gators in my neighborhood. They usually visit us from their natural habitat that flows into our manmade lake. You see, I am always fascinated by alligators and birds too. I love their beautiful, exotic, unique features. This lone gator, on that fine afternoon, obviously wanted to enjoy the breathtaking weather too, and soak up the sun. And then came the lone sea turtle! Before I could blink, the turtle had become the gator's afternoon meal. Alligators are predators, and that is the reason I admire them from a long distance.
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SONY DSC-HX200V

settings

Aperture 5/1 ISO 250 Shutter 1/250 Focal Length 1492/25

upload_date

Oct, 2017

Views

141

Likes

Awards

Action Award

Zenith Award

Top Shot Award 22

Legendary Award

Summer 2020

2020 Choice Award

Peer Choice Award

Outstanding Creativity

Superb Composition

Top Choice

Absolute Masterpiece

Peer Award

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 20 rank

Top 20 rank week 1

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 30 rank week 2

Behind The Lens

Location

In my neighborhood man-made lake that flows into a natural habitat, located in Sugar Land, Texas.

Time

Other than being children’s book writer and a filmmaker, I’m also known for my love for still photography. On my way home with my now 15-year old from her soccer game, the temperature was probably almost 100 degrees, there the gator was, feasting on the poor sea turtle. The gator was clearly basking in the sun around 3 P.M. CST when the turtle instantly became his afternoon meal.

Lighting

When I saw the gator, he was laying still by the edge of the lake, with the dead turtle clutched in between his large mouth and sharp teeth. I desperately needed him to get up and move, to allow the rays on sunlight on his well-carving skin. Like he heard my thoughts, he got up, and gave me that signature “catwalk.” Well, gator-walk. It was an experience; too perfect not to have been captured.

Equipment

Sony N50 Cyber Shot. 2,8-5,6/4,8-144 T*

Inspiration

I am the kind of girl who stops to smell the roses. Literally! I also wake early, just to watch the sun as it rises, and I enjoy watching squirrels munch on nuts. So, each time I drive or walk past our lake, I must stop to look out for the gator. Though afraid of them, I simply admire and appreciate the exotic beauty of alligators.

Editing

No! I needed you to see this beauty in its original form.

In my camera bag

Since my Sony camera fell and broke, I now carry Canon EOS Rebel T3i, with 2 detachable lenses (18-55mm and 55-250).

Feedback

Embrace your passion. Be patient. Enjoy the experience.

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NkemD

NkemD

The Lone Gator

Once upon a time, it was almost spring time, and the weather was just right in Sugar Land, Texas; not too hot, not too cold. The skies were scattered in whites ... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow NkemD

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Once upon a time, it was almost spring time, and the weather was just right in Sugar Land, Texas; not too hot, not too cold. The skies were scattered in whites ...
Read more

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.