It rises from the depths. It is the guardian of the 'glades: PLEASE USE THE DOWNLOAD! I was a bit late heading back to my car from a stroll in Big Cypress. Someone stopped by just to...

treadwl Loc: South Florida

PLEASE USE THE DOWNLOAD!

I was a bit late heading back to my car from a stroll in Big Cypress. Someone stopped by just to see if needed an escort, or a companion for dinner...

Nikon D810, tripod (I couldn't hand hold this one, my hands were a bit unsteady) 200-400 vr lens at f5.6, ISO 640, 1/30 sec. I had to use manual focus. It was too dark for auto focus to engage the subject. Lit by L.E.D. flashlight.

PLEASE USE THE DOWNLOAD Best viewed on a dark background
Thanks for looking.

(Download)

Capturing Memories

Beautiful! I had no idea what it was till I downloaded it. Surprised you could see it in the dark. Good thing you did!!!

Fullframe Loc: Bucks County, Pennsylvania

I didn't know what it was at first, until I studied it a bit. I can see the whole width of the jaw underwater. Looks massive. I especially like the red eye on the left side. What causes the red? Or is that added in post?

Great image

treadwl Loc: South Florida

Capturing Memories wrote:

Beautiful! I had no idea what it was till I downloaded it. Surprised you could see it in the dark. Good thing you did!!!

That is why I carry a flashlight.....
Thanks for looking, and commenting.

I warned you to use the download. This time it was necessary.

treadwl Loc: South Florida

Fullframe wrote:

I didn't know what it was at first, until I studied it a bit. I can see the whole width of the jaw underwater. Looks massive. I especially like the red eye on the left side. What causes the red? Or is that added in post?

Great image

I'm pretty certain this is a bull gator. Based on the eye to snout size estimation theory this guy is about 11 feet long. I didn't see the lower jaw until I got it into Lightroom. I didn't think he was that big while on location. The "redeye" is caused by the flashlight. Same principle as when you shoot with a flash at a person.
I had a flash in my bag but no time to get it out so I light this with the flashlight, held in my left hand The light is not as bright as a flash and thus the eye in darker. I did notice a slight red tint on the opposite (right) eye (maybe from my headlamp?)

Needless to say, this was a heart pounding moment.

Thanks for looking and commenting. This is full frame, the only post is some contrast, exposure adjustment and sharpening. I little bit of opening shadows to enhance the shadow in the water.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

treadwl Loc: South Florida

Longshadow wrote:

Thanks for looking and commenting.

tramsey Loc: Texas

Very strange and different photo, not the usual flower or bird that's for sure. I cheated and copied it and then lightened it up some and still couldn't figure out what the heck it was. Then I came back and you mentioned alligator and that's what I think to. What a shot! What an adrenaline rush

Plieku69 Loc: The Gopher State, south end

One of the best here. Glad you were in the right place at the right time.

Ken

treadwl Loc: South Florida

tramsey wrote:

Very strange and different photo, not the usual flower or bird that's for sure. I cheated and copied it and then lightened it up some and still couldn't figure out what the heck it was. Then I came back and you mentioned alligator and that's what I think to. What a shot! What an adrenaline rush

Thanks for looking tramsey. Sorry for all the bother. On my monitor it showed pretty clear, especially in the download. Anyway, glad you finally saw the gator. And you are suely right---it was a great rush. When I finally backed off, my heart was still pounding. I didn't realize he was THAT big.

carlysue Loc: Columbus

OH,MY! Knowing this guardian of the swamp is out patrolling would give me more than one pause to be here at night! fantastic shot, glad you had your wits about you to capture the moment!

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

OH NO, once I double clicked I knew that I was in big trouble! Nice one Larry and very happy that you are still with us!

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Certainly not a good thing to meet up with in the dark!!

treadwl Loc: South Florida

Plieku69 wrote:

One of the best here. Glad you were in the right place at the right time.

Ken

Thank you Pliekus69. I've been trying to get a shot similar to this for 3 years.
I appreciate your compliment.

treadwl Loc: South Florida

carlysue wrote:

OH,MY! Knowing this guardian of the swamp is out patrolling would give me more than one pause to be here at night! fantastic shot, glad you had your wits about you to capture the moment!

Carlysue---the swamp has LOTS of guardians. It makes things much more secure. Still not mating season yet, so these guys are a bit more predictable now. But he still gets my heart rate up a bit. Awareness, set up and shooting probably took only about 3-4 minutes. I was carrying a mounted camera on the tripod and the flashlight in my hand.

Glad you liked the shot. I have some less scary shots to post later.

Thanks for looking and commenting