Dr Isaac Vaisman, APSA, PPSA
October 2026 - Not so Lucky
About the Image(s)
Being at the Alligator farm in St Augustin - Florida during the birds matting season and photographing all the nests and chicks visible, suddenly there was a fight between two snowy egrets about the territory, and one of then fell in the water. It took only a fraction of a second for one of the alligators in the pond to enjoy a nice snack.
Image created using a Nikon Z9 with the Nikkor Zoom lens Z100-400 f/4.5-5.6 @ 280 mm and these settings: ISO 6400 (Auto), f/10 and 1/2500 sec. The image was PP in LightRoom and cropped.
3 comments posted
I have been there but was not so lucky as you. What a great shot! I also shoot Auto ISO. You really captured the moment. You were at the right spot at the right time. But it is not luck. You were able to use you skill and experience to take a great image of it. Wow! Posted: 10/03/2026 01:55:26
Isaac, I have to agree with Doug here - The bird was indeed unlucky. But both you and this gator scored bigtime!
Right location, right scenario, RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER! You had all your camera settings ready for action. So, when it happened, you - like this hungry croc - jumped into action and nailed it (and likely at least a dozen more contenders, as well)!
One minor and totally unnecessary option to consider - reduce the highlights (dehaze?) your gator just a bit to accentuate the amazing details in this gator's hide. Posted: 10/06/2026 00:35:14
Right location, right scenario, RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER! You had all your camera settings ready for action. So, when it happened, you - like this hungry croc - jumped into action and nailed it (and likely at least a dozen more contenders, as well)!
One minor and totally unnecessary option to consider - reduce the highlights (dehaze?) your gator just a bit to accentuate the amazing details in this gator's hide. Posted: 10/06/2026 00:35:14
Great shot Isaac. I have so many shots of crocodile catching fish but have never captured a crocodile with a bird. Absolutely well done. Posted: 10/06/2026 05:09:38