Some days it’s not a good idea to wander too far off the dikes. This was one of them.
I have written before that some days I just like to photograph Alligators. No choice here, they were everywhere. Point and shoot.
The weather kept changing, but the one constant was the gators. Above is a random sample of the day.
Note; look in the brush, they were there too.
I had pulled back my lens, as I often do, to catch the full flight of this Great Egret.
The images turned out to be a nice example of keeping perspective in the photographs. There can always be something to show off what it is like in their swamps.
Above we have the Spanish Moss in the frame and below the Egret is an Alligator floating by.
Cypress trees usually are draped in the Moss and their distinct shape adds interest.
The Alligator remained in background. By itself, not in a series, the surrounding area still makes each individual image stand up well.
This same birds flight gave a whole new look when climbing up to the nest. Trees, woods, and resting Cormorants now provide background.
Anyway, this is why I like to shoot a little wider than other photographers.
These are what I call ‘City Gators’.
Not too big, and seemingly well behaved.
They also live closer to Charleston, people, and me.
While I’m getting ready to visit their ‘country cousins’ thought I would publish these.
This is the ‘Official’ danger sign from the state of South Carolina.
Alligators ‘May Live Here’. With emphasis on ‘May’.
If you have a puddle, pool, or rain barrel in the Lowcountry you have an Alligator. It’s no big deal.
I admit this sign makes me laugh. Any time I can catch an Alligator with this sign I grab a photograph.
I don’t think I would poke the little guy, but he’s a great conversation piece.
When I’m walking by and I see one doing something, even just a big open mouth, I take the shot.
I’m not new at this, I should have plenty of other things to work with. But still, it’s an Alligator. Being goofy.
I can’t help myself.
He was sleeping in the sun ‘baking his brain’.
Heard me, gave me a glance, and dismissed me.
Promptly returned to his nap.
This Heron was a nice distance for me. I try to catch shots in the mid range of a long lens whenever possible. They can have good depth and be wide enough to include the surroundings.
It’s great to see the subjects details however I personally to some perspective too.
In these you can see some shoreline, cypress trees, and even a couple Alligators in the background.
Over the years everyone gets a style and preferences. I guess these are mine.
Alligators rarely attack another that is of the same size. Unless a female is involved there’s no point.
This time was looking to be an exception. Another Alligator, not seen here, had caught an Anhinga. All the bigger Alligators went to investigate if there was anything in it for them.
These two started swimming in circles around each other. You can see the ripples in the image above.
Nothing further happened and the group moved back to the island in this swamp. Where they all seem to hide together.
