Monster Practice

GonzoBernelliGonzoBernelli Registered Users Posts: 62 Big grins
edited September 22, 2007 in Wildlife
Perhaps a 3 week old alligator practicing for the Big Leagues @ Brazos Bend State Park last sUNDAY. Sorry about the image, shooting into the sun with the wee beasty tucked up against plant to keep out of the cool breeze today (about 75 degrees at 7:00 AM). D2X using 400mm + TC20

To put things into perspective for everyone, tip of the nose to the back of this one's head is about 1 inch. Total body length about 12-14 inches. I had to shoot this one because all the others were within minimum focus distance of the 400 (shooting at 800 with TC20). Mother was very cooperative today with no lunging and bluff attacks, however she was "testy", to say the least, yesterday, having logged 2 or three warnings to stay back. She is a "good mother" who listens to (if she is under water having a "wet" and any of the kids yelp, she will surface) and watches her children as they take sun-baths on the beach keeping about 4 feet away. Baby counts are unclear yet, ranging from between 14 and 20.

MONSTER PRACTICE
MonsterPractice_6648.jpg

CONVENIENT CHIN REST
ConvenientBranch_6629.jpg

AAAAAAHHHHHH
Aaahhhhhhh_6633.jpg
DISCLAIMER: This post is a natural product made from recycled electrons. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

Comments

  • dbaker1221dbaker1221 Registered Users Posts: 4,482 Major grins
    edited September 20, 2007
    I love #2:ivar
    **If I keep shooting, I'm bound to hit something**
    Dave
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited September 20, 2007
    Great images of a difficult subject. I don't think I have seen many baby alligators. Number 2 is an awesome shot.
  • GiphsubGiphsub Registered Users Posts: 2,662 Major grins
    edited September 21, 2007
    nice shots and 15524779-Ti.gif number 2 is a really nice shot!
  • riddim_makerriddim_maker Registered Users Posts: 1,835 Major grins
    edited September 21, 2007
    You did pretty darned good under the circumstancesthumb.gif
    and if I had to pick a favorite, I'd say #1,
    it has a nice, soft mood to it and the composition feels balanced.
    clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif
    Russ
  • GonzoBernelliGonzoBernelli Registered Users Posts: 62 Big grins
    edited September 21, 2007
    Thak you all for you kind words. I'm a "natural light" guy and trying to get the darker side looking good without burning out the highlights off the duck weed was a challenge
    DISCLAIMER: This post is a natural product made from recycled electrons. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
  • raptorcaptorraptorcaptor Registered Users Posts: 3,968 Major grins
    edited September 21, 2007
    Like the second monster best!
    Glenn

    My website | NANPA Member
  • CassisPCassisP Registered Users Posts: 60 Big grins
    edited September 21, 2007
    cool, I like number 2 the detail is really good, clap.gif
  • schmooschmoo Registered Users Posts: 8,468 Major grins
    edited September 21, 2007
    Very cute! I wish these little guys would stay that size. #2 really is keen, the duckweed giving the babies a bit of size perspective.
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited September 21, 2007
    Excellent captures Nick. clap.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • jwearjwear Registered Users Posts: 8,013 Major grins
    edited September 21, 2007
    welcome to dgrin thumb.gif I have looked at your shots on other forums very nice work --from texas I think ??? you posted a link to a shot awhile back but the site does not let folks look unless they are signed up ??
    Jeff W

    “PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”

    http://jwear.smugmug.com/
  • GonzoBernelliGonzoBernelli Registered Users Posts: 62 Big grins
    edited September 22, 2007
    jwear wrote:
    welcome to dgrin thumb.gif I have looked at your shots on other forums very nice work --from texas I think ??? you posted a link to a shot awhile back but the site does not let folks look unless they are signed up ??

    That was to TPF (TexasPhotoForum.com) and the work of another photographer so was the best I could do without infringing on their (C). Signup at that site is free, so I did not think it was "any biggie" for those who wanted to view the images.
    DISCLAIMER: This post is a natural product made from recycled electrons. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
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