Komodo Dragon #1 - for debbielove by goodoleboy
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Description
Captured 3/13/10, at the Los Angeles Zoo in Los Angeles, California.
The first of 46 photos I took of this magnificent beast, actually my main purpose, along with pics of giraffes, for visiting the zoo in the first place.
Rather a handsome chap, as reptiles go. It was most accommodating to the visitors in its movements, moving very slowly in covering most of its enclosure, with its forked tongue rapidly and repeatedly flicking in and out, in search of food, I would suspect.
Believe it or not, these shots were all taken through an all-enclosing glass pane, which was free of finger smudges and streaks, because the visitors are separated about five feet from the glass by a rigid waist-high fence. Good thinking on part of the zoo planners.
Surprisingly, even though there was bright light behind me, I encountered very few reflections while shooting through the glass, probably because of the mass of viewers along side of me blocking off the light.
The distance between the reptile and myself varied roughly from around 7 to 25-feet, so there were a lot of zoom captures involved. A few of the pics came out a bit blurred, but all in all they came out sharp. And, no tripod on this trip.
The zoo went through the extra effort of recreating the natural habitats of its wildlife on display, but in doing so made the entire place rather photographer unfriendly. The creatures throughout the zoo are so distant now that you have to view them virtually through binoculars. Ergo, 80% of my shots were of the zoom variety.
Finally, there was a lot of postwork involved in bringing these shots up to snuff, mainly cropping, and in bringing out detail by reducing the sharp contrast between light and shadow. Veteran zoo photogs claim the best time to snap the animals is on an overcast day.
More on the zoo environment in coming uploads.
So long, thankx for looking in, and for any and all comments and faves.
Comments (18)
Rainastorm
Yes, these guys are so awesome...just look at him!! Totally awesome creature! Thanks for the extra info on them also...way cool to read....excellent post!
bmac62
A big mean looking dude today Harry. But by all means an excellent, clear and well focused series of images. Nice to see unsmudged glass!!!
MrsRatbag
Wow, a dragon...excellent shots of this guy!
watapki66
Wonderful images and collage!
morningglory
"I never promised you a Komodo Dragon".....for some reason as soon as I saw this "I never promised you a Rose Garden" came into my head. No explanation. Exceptional shots of this beast, Harry...and really glad you did not meet him on one of your daily walks.
danapommet
Super shots Harry and the textures in the top 3 shots are awesome. I've seen these in zoos before but never moving around like this. Well done my friend. Dana
beachzz
Great shots of this big guy--and he IS big!!
mbz2662
Super! I particularly like that last one. Very dinosaur-like :) Isn't this the lizard that will bite it's prey, then follow it around until it dies to eat it? I have been wanting to make a trip to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. I plan a trip on March 29th, if I can fit it into our schedule that day!
Meisiekind
Oh dear me - what a sight! He is huge! I love your images Harry - really, really well done! I have captured one at our zoo once but it is not nearly as cool at yours! Bravo!
babuci
One of my wish (bucket list) while I am on this earth to feel a skin of this magneficent animal. I prefer alive version even of the danger this animal holds. Love this dragon. You did a great job capture it through glass, well done.
Hendesse
Fantastic collage of excellent and impressive shots. Looks superb!!
Hubba1
Holy Smokes! Now this is a lizard :) Awesome post!
debbielove
Way cool Harry.. The top shot is the stand out as far as I am concerned.. Really good.. I saw it was through glass as soon as I saw the pictures.. Nothing to worry about but the fence to keep fingers away is a great idea.. At London Zoo, room greatly restricts this.. It is in one corner of Regents Park in the very centre of London.. NO room to move.. Great shots and thanks for the Dedi mate! Rob
jocko500
he do look mean. would hate to met one in the wild. like the pov's here
Mousson
Magnifique photos!!!
durleybeachbum
I particularly like the muscle thighs in the 4th pic!
mermaid
awesome creature for sure and some fine shots, Harry, he does seem to smile at us...lol
Biffowitz
Holy cow Harry, do you think this could be the one eating residents of Lake Placid? Fabulous captures of this fellow!