I stumbled upon this green frog (Lithobates clamitans) while hiking along in Linn Run State Park. I was actually hiking along the stream bed and had startled a couple of these frogs into hiding before I refined my technique to more carefully approach the frogs to get close enough to get some close-ups.

I was shooting handheld that day, and at this point was standing in about a foot of water and was holding the camera level with the surface of the water about six inches above the water, so I was not able to look through the viewfinder. Every once in a while, I intentionally shoot without using the viewfinder just try different angles and perspectives.

Technical Data: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Di SP LD 1:1 Macro, 1/60 sec at f/4.5. ISO 400. No post production. Linn Run State Park, Rector, PA.

Why This Photo: This frog actually had some defect with its right eye - almost like a cataract - that made it cloudy and white. After a couple other shots, I decided to eliminate the problematic eye and try for this shot with only the good eye. It took a few shots to get the framing right without using the viewfinder, but eventually I came up with this.

What Works: The framing of this shot seems to work just right for me. The eye of the frog rests on one of the vertical thirds of the shot, and the green along its face produces a nice diagonal that draws the viewer's eye into the photo. Also pleasing is the shallow depth of field and the area of focus right at the frog's eye.

What Doesn't Work: If I could have used a tripod and managed a longer shutter speed, then a smaller aperture for more depth of field may have made for a nicer photo by showing off more of the texture of the frog's skin.

I have submitted this photo to the Photographic Section's Digital Projected Image Competition in 2010 as well as the George W. Glennie Memorial Nature Salon 2010.

I really do need to get out on some more photo excursions soon.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this photo.

- Bill