Orton Pond Gators

[SkipP]

Found a few of the alligators that call this pond home. The gators don't mind getting close...which can be good and bad. The good is photography, the bad is that they show up expecting a handout. People will stand next to the sign that says; "Don't Feed the Alligators" and toss them food. Amazing.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/5824075311_3d647d0d0c_b.jpg

This area has a white sandy bottom. A polarizer helped.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/5824075619_d1f45801bc_b.jpg

Playing around with this B&W conversion. The 100-400 can in handy here. This is a different, bigger alligator. The really big one, a 12+ footer was killed last year. Intentionally. Very sporting.

[artsnimages]

"Monkey See! Monkey Do!" When it come to ignoring signs posted for the protection of our wildlife and ignorant humans doing what they do best! "Go Figure"!!!!!:mad:

Nice work Skip! I love the first one and the tranqulity that this predator shows here! The B&W is nice too. You might be able to get even more shape from the eye with a small isolated curve here.

I have shot tons of Gators in Louisianna and Texas and never think to use a polarizer, which I should as it makes all the difference in the world. Not only for controling the "sparkles" but adding a lot of nice deep saturation as well.

Again, Nice work!

Jim

[rpearce12]

"Chills down my spine." Love the set

[jckegley]

Very nice detail and shape/depth/shadows/highlights. I think you were right on cue using a polarizer. The detail almost has an HDR feel to it. I like both images, but the color one is my fav. The b&w has some odd triangular object above the reptiles head.

Again, I love the bumps/ridges on the animal, nice detail.