by Howard Cheek
This is one of those images that comes along only rarely. So I did spend a lot of time reworking.
I can't tell you how many times I would see a simliar image on the web & think, why can't I get lucky like that?
It's truly the definition of 'serendipity' when it occurs.. I had about 30 seconds when it happened, and I was all thumbs in my excitement..
Earlier I had seen the snake open its mouth wide as if stretching, but it was mostly faced away.. of course
It would've been better if the damselfly pair had landed on the actual 'top' of the head. Rather, it lit high on the snakes neck instead.
So I squeezed out F/16 in an effort to pull as much of the two insects in as possible. Thanx for your comments as always!
F/16, 1/500th, ISO 800, 5DM2, 300mm f/2.8 + 2x ext. @ 1:29pm & clear/sunny using the available light.
Comments
9 commentsSome real freeloaders here, eh?......LOL......what a crazy little scene. I assume if the damselfly pair were out front the snake would make a meal out of them.
Looks like an amazing happenstance here Howard and you really capitalized on it too........an excellent image.....
I think you settled on an excellent comp, Howard. I do like the tighter view. As I mentioned before, looks like a contest winner to me.
I did a double take on the image and had to click on it after I opened to see what a fantastic shot this was!!
What a great shot, I would have been happy with just the snake, the eyes are spot on, but then to get the Damselflies was a fantastic bonus. Really nice job, congratulations!
This looks great, Howard. All of your rework looks good. It's a fine catch on a (presumably) rare event. The male damsel sure looks like it's the pilot for the snake navigating trecherous waters...
Sweet photo Howard. This really displays nicely at full frame. Great detail in both the snake and damsel fly.
Congrats on a fine capture!!
Great capture, Howard! It's very cool that the snake and one of the damselflies are looking right at the camera.
Totally off the wall. Serendipity indeed! An excellent picture, considering the almost impossible conditions.
What a shot. And it's only fitting that a photographer of your caliber happened to be on hand to capture it. Congratulations on another fine image. Golfer Gary Player once said " the more I practice, the luckier I get". Just awesome Howard👍
Cool shot Howard. I think this would be a strong image even without the damselfly. I esp like the reflection of the snake's head. Once I was sitting by my pond—it's about 20 feet in diameter—and saw coming out of nowhere a snake that dove into the water, virtually flew across and out in what seemed like a nanosecond. An amazing sight!