Chthoniid

Where the crocodiles are

Monday, November 16, 2009 12:02:50 AM

Australia, crocodile, Environment and Ecology, saltwater crocodile

Some film (Kodak portra 160VC) shots of the area of crocodile habitat we were photographing in.
While this is technically a fresh-water river, there are plenty of 'salties' about. Saltwater crocodiles are a bit of a misnomer- these reptiles can venture quite deep into fresh-water zones.

These I think, do a good job of explaining why you need to shoot crocodiles from a boat. There's not enough vantage points along riverbanks to get the shots and compositions you need.

And here's a shot of the other members of the team, with a bonus crocodile in the left background [

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Crocodiles- a conservation success story- Part ICrocodiles- a conservation success story- Part II

Comments

Dacotah # Monday, November 16, 2009 5:31:13 AM

No crocs in the other photos there, is there?
Couldn't see any.

Chthoniidchthoniid # Monday, November 16, 2009 5:59:57 AM

There are no visible crocs

The idea here is simply to show what the shooting environment was really like. Alas, the crocodiles weren't exactly lining up to be photogenic.

A lot of wildlife photography is missed opportunities, with a heavy dose of patience and perseverance tossed in. Alas it really is a lot harder than just screwing on a long telephoto lens and wandering around the animals, casually getting 'National Geographic' moments.

Dacotah # Monday, November 16, 2009 6:22:41 AM

Phew, thought I was going blind there for a second.

NeilUkwildlife # Monday, November 16, 2009 7:35:47 AM

Interesting photos. The water lilies are excellent.

Regarding why you need to shoot crocodiles from a boat, is the fact that walking along the bank of water filled with salties being unwise not a factor?

Also what is this 'film' stuff you mention

Chthoniidchthoniid # Monday, November 16, 2009 9:52:29 PM

Hi Neil, the safety issue is another factor, but despite that, the reality is you just can't get the shots you need from the banks.

There's no completely safe way to photograph crocodiles of course, but the boat approach is safer and gets you much more varied compositions

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Renee Hendricks
2013-03-18 19:48:00

I almost put "go away" in quotes ;)
Chthoniid
2013-03-18 18:22:08

Thanks, sigh. I hope Opera gives her complaint all the consideration is deserves :) (And yes, I *wish* she'd go away)
Renee Hendricks
2013-03-18 15:43:31

Heads up. Looks like someone is going to try to report you to Opera. Why won't she just go away?
Chthoniid
2013-02-01 04:02:26

I hate jet lag
Chthoniid
2013-01-01 02:05:46

Happy New Year everyone :) All I can add is that it is very hot and there are lots of cicadas in 2013
Chthoniid
2012-12-11 03:00:30

Thanks MM- it hit just west of us. Better than last time when it only veered away at last minute. Number 2 spawn was a bit concerned as she was home alone.