A Gecko Contemplates Oblivion, a photo from Puerto Rico, Other

Photographer's Note

I got a zoom lens for Christmas, and Puerto Rico was the first chance I've really had to try it out. So while I was messing around with it near the hotel, shooting waves crashing on rocks and other nearby sights, I happened to glance down and see this small gecko creeping along the edge of a wooden deck. I grabbed a few quick shots, most of which came out poorly (I'm still figuring out shutter speed requirements with a zoom). But I like this one a lot, as the gecko is just barely within a spot of sunlight, staring out over the expanse below him (really just a few inches away, but at this zoom the DOF makes it look much further).

The gecko is a common small lizard found in warm climates around the world; these days it's probably best known in the US for a series of advertisements by the Geico Insurance corporation.

Larger version on Flickr, here. (I'm hesitant to post this because at greater resolution the slightly off focus is more noticeable).

tyro, Romano46, jhm, jcpix, siudzi, kasianowak oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

emka (158128) 2014-03-25 14:06

hello Andrew,

Charming gecko. I was in Africa with the travel agency Gecko's and I liked it very much :). Nice close up with your new toy. How nice is to get something from Santa, he knew well what you would like :).

Warm regrads MAlgo

tyro (30513) 2014-03-25 15:12

Hi Andrew,

Hee, hee! I really love this one! Almost as though you'd crept up slowly behind him and were about to tap him on the shoulder to ask him what he's looking at!

The great thing about this picture is the fabulous lighting - that gecko is sitting almost under a spotlight, in a lovely pool of soft sunlight, while all around him is in relative shade.

Despite your complaints, this one looks pretty sharp even in the larger Flickr picture, there is a wonderful bokeh and the exposure, light and colours are just perfect.

Yes, telephotos are fun and I'm sure that your 1/200 second on a focal length of 200mm is spot-on, especially as your lens has stabilisation (or what Nikon call "VR"). But I'm sure you'll find that there's a few times when 200mm doesn't seem quite enough (even though it does seem quite a long focal length when you first get that lens) and you'll soon be hankering for even bigger "big boys' toys"!

Smashing!

Kind Regards,

John.

Romano46 (18472) 2014-03-26 4:13

Ciao Andrew
forse perchč ho la fortuna di avere un attico nel quale periodicamente si affaccia un geko che in estate ci osserva mentre ceniamo ho una particolare simpatia per questi animali che oltretutto sono molto utili per eliminare gli insetti, anche se non č che siano particolarmente graziosi.
La tua foto, che, per essere apprezzata come č giusto che sia, va osservata ingrandita in effetti ha non solo una bella luce ma anche una composizione ed una nitidezza notevole.
Una bella cattura per la quale ti faccio i miei complimenti.
Ciao e buona giornata
Romano

jhm (211736) 2014-03-26 6:14

Hello Andrew,

Our nature is real wonderful, but a photographer must are on the right place for a nice picture as this.
Lovely pictures, with nice light and colours.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice day,
John

jcpix (14030) 2014-03-26 16:08

Hey Andrew,

Glad to see you're putting that new toy to good use...much better than receiving clothes for Christmas, yeah? :) I understand your angst with the telephoto, I've had one for a long time now, and I can still never figure out the best shutter speed for focal length...ergo, a lot of blurry pictures!? Oh well, practice makes perfect eventually. Super observational work here, just an every day life moment in the small world of a gecko, but wonderfully composed for maximum effect. The depth of field is key, creating the desired effect...don't jump little guy! lol

Perfect timing to grab that one spot of sunlight. Nicely achieved, this turned out well. Enjoy the rest of the evening. Take it easy.

Friendly wishes,

Jason

siudzi (34141) 2014-03-27 11:49

Hi Andrew,
Very interesting study of nature. Your DOF management was brilliant to build such an excellent presentation. Very well done!

Best wishes,
Gosia

kasianowak (17676) 2014-03-28 3:46

Hi again Andrew
Compelling wildlife shot with great mood created by the light and almost monochromatic colour palette.
Best wishes
Kasia

resato (475) 2014-04-07 1:18