Ruth Sprain
August 2026 - Crocodile in Krueger
Original
About the Image(s)
This crocodile was laying with its mouth open on a boulder in the river at the end of the day in Kruger National Park. Evidently crocodiles open their mouth like this to cool off, since they don’t have sweat glands. I used my Canon EOS R6 at 800 mm, f 1/16, 1/160. I adjusted the shadows and highlights, saturated a bit, and sharpened in Lightroom and PhotoShop. Even though this crocodile was laying quite still, we discovered on an earlier day just how fast a crocodile can move when it wants.
13 comments posted
Ruth, that's a great shot. You pretty much caught it out of the camera, and it didn't need much in post. Hope that you weren't too close to the crocodile when you discovered how fast it can move. Posted: 08/07/2026 01:12:13
Ha! We were on a boat and I was photographing a crocodile that was "resting" on the shore. When SPLASH! The croc dove in the water towards the boat in a second. Definitely dangerous for its prey. Posted: 08/10/2026 16:29:25
Ruth, that is great work to capture that detail at 800mm. Your post processing worked well to sharpen the eye and the toughness of the skin. Tiny nit - the rock blocking the bottom of the mouth. Not sure you could have done anything about it.
Very nice shot. Posted: 08/09/2026 20:55:58
Very nice shot. Posted: 08/09/2026 20:55:58
Yes, I was disappointed that the rock was in the way. I was photographing from a vehicle on a bridge above the crocodile. We weren't allowed off the vehicle, so I couldn't get a different angle. The lighting on his open mouth was amazing though. Posted: 08/10/2026 16:31:34
The lighting in the mouth is amazing and with such detail. I should have known you were in a vehicle during a safari. Makes the shot even more impressive. Mary Ann's comment about the dental work gave me a thought to do something fun with this. In Italy last year I took lots of photos of a parade of costumed people throwing flags. Although the costume doesn't suggest a dental hygenist, I thought it was close enough.
Posted: 08/10/2026 18:16:20
Posted: 08/10/2026 18:16:20
Ha! I like what you did with the tooth cleaner. The crocodile doesn't look nearly as intimidating with the person in his mouth. Posted: 08/16/2026 01:28:39
The lighting in the mouth is amazing and with such detail. I should have known you were in a vehicle during a safari. Makes the shot even more impressive. Mary Ann's comment about the dental work gave me a thought to do something fun with this. In Italy last year I took lots of photos of a parade of costumed people throwing flags. Although the costume doesn't suggest a dental hygenist, I thought it was close enough.
Posted: 08/11/2026 23:37:21
Posted: 08/11/2026 23:37:21
My apologies Ruth for the double posting. Not sure how that happened. Posted: 08/14/2026 00:54:16
Ruth, great photo of this crocodile with the eye looking right at you! It certainly gives the feeling of the ominous position you were in! All is sharp and textures really stand out. The croc needs a dental cleaning! Great capture. Posted: 08/09/2026 21:43:15
Thanks for your encouraging comments, Mary Ann. I agree that the croc needs a dental cleaning, but I wouldn't offer to give one! Posted: 08/10/2026 16:35:09
Ruth,
Great shot of the crocodile. Can't
see any way to make it any better. His teeth to me look sharp and white, so no need for a dentist. Nice work. Scary. I do appreciate the creative suggestion of including the hygienist in the mouth of the animal. Even more scary. Posted: 08/16/2026 00:46:36
Great shot of the crocodile. Can't
see any way to make it any better. His teeth to me look sharp and white, so no need for a dentist. Nice work. Scary. I do appreciate the creative suggestion of including the hygienist in the mouth of the animal. Even more scary. Posted: 08/16/2026 00:46:36
Hi Ruth,
This is a striking and powerful shot! The rough & armored skin, massive jaw of a huge crocodile with its mouth wide open and sharp teeth look like a monster to me! Good lighting separates the subject from the background and brings out clear details of the power of the crocodile's jaw. Great shot! Posted: 08/16/2026 17:44:44
This is a striking and powerful shot! The rough & armored skin, massive jaw of a huge crocodile with its mouth wide open and sharp teeth look like a monster to me! Good lighting separates the subject from the background and brings out clear details of the power of the crocodile's jaw. Great shot! Posted: 08/16/2026 17:44:44
Ruth,
What a great shot that shows that intimating rows of teeth of that crocodile. The lighting helps to highlight the sharp teeth. You captured that side eye look as well that adds to the story. Posted: 08/20/2026 00:17:51
What a great shot that shows that intimating rows of teeth of that crocodile. The lighting helps to highlight the sharp teeth. You captured that side eye look as well that adds to the story. Posted: 08/20/2026 00:17:51