My husband and I were camping, and I  went to check out the nature trails and open meadows.  The morning was very cool and dew-laden.  I found this Green Tree Frog, and because of its inactivity, I was able to happily photograph it for an hour.  I tried many different backgrounds, compositions, and I experimented with my reflector. 


Minolta 800, Minolta 200mm Macro Lens, Gitzo 1228 Tripod, Cable Release, Photoflex Reflector, Fujichrome Provia F,  f/16

I photographed this alligator at Brazos  Bend State Park  about 25 feet away (I was kneeling safely on a pier).  This creature seemed to be smiling.  I would never get this close to a gator on the ground!

Minolta 800, Minolta 400/4.5 Lens, Gitzo 1228 Tripod, Fujichrome Sensia ,  f/6.7

I had my first encounter with a hawk (Red-Shouldered) this past December.  She was fairly tolerant of me.  If you look closely, you can see remains of the hawk's prey on the talons and beak.


Minolta 800, Minolta 400/4.5 Lens, matching 1.4 teleconverter, Gitzo 1228 Tripod, Fujichrome Provia F,  f/6.7