Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Shot this a few weeks back but just got around to looking at it. I like the it for different perspective that highlights the texture of the animal - rather than the usual head shots that demand all the viewer's attention. I thought I'd post it and see if you agree.

Bill
Gator

I like the unusual perspective and the lighting across the back. I think that the photo would be improved by cropping off the upper third of the image.

John, you are absolutely correct. I was trying to give it a sense of place but it was too much. Thanks for the critique.

Bill

NIce shot Bill! What kind of camera do you use, if you dont mind me asking?

Thanks,

Chris
-----
Chris Law
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. (Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League)
Herpetoculture Element Representative

This was with a Nikon D100 with a 80-200mm F2.8 lens. I shoot a variety of 35mm and med format cameras, but for this type of shot, it's pretty much a digital SLR.

Bill

Way to go Bill, Most everyone does full on head shots because of the ferocious look but you just can't beat a rear end shot. It really shows the armorment and the prehistoric look.

I said NT!

Perhaps you guys can take a look at these two photos. They are not of crocs, but I know John takes different photos, and you possibly do as well Bill. I did my normal sunday herping trip and came across several water snakes (Northern Waters). One in particular really caught my eye as he was in a nice pose. I took a couple different shots but just different zoom in quite as much on the first. I dont have a very good camera (nor can I really afford one..lol) so I am trying to take as good of pictures as possible with what I have. I currently have a Fuji 3.2MP S3000 digital. Not even NEAR what you guys use, but just trying to get the most out of what I do have. After looking at these, do you have any suggestions as to how I can improve?

Sorry for bothering you here, but the photography forum is like watching paint dry.

Thanks for your help and comments!

Chris

-----
Chris Law
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. (Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League)
Herpetoculture Element Representative

Chris,

Wow, that is a great capture!
Do you mind if I alter and then repost your photos to help explain my suggestions?

John,

I would appreciate any help you can provide. If you can alter it a little that would be great. My friend spotted that one while I practically head my head dunked in the creek looking for snakes. My heart skipped a beat when I saw that shot. I thought it was going to be an excellent photo which I really like how it turned out. I just feel it could be better.

I'd appreciate the help!

Chris
-----
Chris Law
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. (Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League)
Herpetoculture Element Representative

To start, I think you did a great job photographing the snake. With a very dark background, a subject strongly lit and reflections from the water this was a very difficult situation.

One of the general rules in photography is not to place the subject in the dead center of the frame. For this shot I see the snake moving from right to left. Ideally and under most circumstances you want to leave more room in the frame ahead of the animal or in its perceived direction of motion.

I moved the snake over slightly and cropped off some of the foreground.

Basically, the same suggestion of not placing the focal point of the photo in the center of the frame. Giving more room ahead of the snake and less behind.

Adjusted some of the blown-out areas to tone them down a bit. This brought out a little more detain in the snake.

John,

I appreciate your suggestions and I agree that can help make the photo alot better. What do you do most of your editing in..photoshop?

Thanks again for your time!

Chris
-----
Chris Law
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. (Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League)
Herpetoculture Element Representative