Alligator eating fish

[jckegley]

I took this in the Everglades last week. This was a great opportunity with the Alligator catching and eating a fish, but I was not prepared for it. Actually how do you prepare for something like this?

The photo was taken with a 500mm at f/4.0 using a Canon 1d Mark II N.

The main problem I see with the photo is ... I am too close. This is the best photo (most in focus) out of a series. All the others have the teeth in focus but not the eye, or the eyes in focus but not the teeth. I have the bad habit of keeping my aperture full open (in this case 4.0). Being too close affected the ability of the camera to focus accurately, the depth of field, and the framing of the shot.

Everglades National Wildlife Refuge American Alligator (http://www.wildlifesouth.com/Locations/Florida/Everglades.html)

[rpk717]

Joe,

I actually like the tight crop, the suspended water, sharp detail, etc. But what I really like is how the fish's open mouth is lined up with the gator's jaws. Cool shot.

[barmstrong]

You are being too critical... This is an awesome shot! Super sharp and great action.

[jckegley]

Here's is one of the shots I am talking about. Notice how the snout and front teeth are somewhat in focus, but the eyes are totally out of focus. I should have used f5.6 or even f8.0 instead of 4.0.

Also I am near the minimum focusing distance for the lens. It sometimes focused, sometimes not.

Glad you guys like it, but since I was there and saw what I could've gotten (what wasn't in focus), I am a little disappointed.

One interesting note, the alligator swapped the position of the fish until it was head first before it swallowed.

[mrsisu]

I see what you mean with the second image but I really LIKE the first one a lot.

[barmstrong]

One interesting note, the alligator swapped the position of the fish until it was head first before it swallowed.

Yeah, that looked like it was going to be painful to swallow tail first.

I still say, that first shot is just awesome.

[rpk717]

Here's is one of the shots I am talking about. Notice how the snout and front teeth are somewhat in focus, but the eyes are totally out of focus. I should have used f5.6 or even f8.0 instead of 4.0.

Also I am near the minimum focusing distance for the lens. It sometimes focused, sometimes not.

Glad you guys like it, but since I was there and saw what I could've gotten (what wasn't in focus), I am a little disappointed.

One interesting note, the alligator swapped the position of the fish until it was head first before it swallowed.

Joe, this is a good example of your issues with your set-up but don't forget our one image per day posting rule.

[jbellis]

I really like the flying water drops. It just screams action. Great capture!!

[ngass]

Great photograph! I like the first one best, but the second one is good also.