Dangerous photo shots?

[DerekRob]

How many of you here go out of your way and at your r=own risk to get some stunning shots?

Only reason I'm asking such a weird question here because I'm planing on a trip to the Florida everglades and go to a gator ranch/farm and I want to see if I can pay the gator handlers an extra $50 - $100 to get in the pen with the big gators and get there mouths open with the 17-70 lens and get some shots of them very up close to them.

And has anyone every gone out for any shots like this?

[cdifoto]

Not that extreme for me, though I have made people wonder what I was thinking.

[NZDoug]

I would consider putting your camera on a monopod and used a remote and poke the camera in there.

[SamHunter]

I've got into some bad parts of town haha... nothing like gators though

[JasonRussell]

I would consider putting your camera on a monopod and used a remote and poke the camera in there.
From the other side of the fence. That way you save the $50-$100 too.

[Nick Pro]

From the other side of the fence. That way you save the $50-$100 too.

Or put that 50-100 towards the repair bill :lol:

[andrew748]

can you get someone to film this genius idea?

i wanna see it on youtube. :p

seriously though i was standing in the middle of the road yesterday to get the shot.
so i'm a bigger liability than you :D

i just get lost in the moment

[cdifoto]

can you get someone to film this genius idea?

i wanna see it on youtube. :p

OP should pay my way to Florida. My Fuji does videos.

[DerekRob]

can you get someone to film this genius idea?

i wanna see it on youtube. :p

seriously though i was standing in the middle of the road yesterday to get the shot.
so i'm a bigger liability than you :D

i just get lost in the momentHahah youtube that place scares me more then myspace does LOL.

[Dream Merchant]

Or you could get the wranglers to get the gator closer to your side of the wall (with you outside of course) and shoot with that wide angle, then distort it further in post. Or use the monopod idea but use a fisheye lens to really give the impression of being close-up ... and personal. Who knows, could be a pix you could sell to some breath freshener company later. :lol:

[FlyingPhotog]

Please forward images to:

www.darwinawards.com/nominations

Thank You...

[DerekRob]

LOL thanks everyone but then photography wouldn't be so fun though LOL.

[sjones]

You might be interested in this recent "Online Photographer" article...

The following link sends you to the homepage. Look to the left and find the 'Recent Posts' frame...a few articles down, you'll see: Florida Gators:

http://theonlinephotographer.com/the_online_photographer/blog_index.html

[Mark_Cohran]

Do you know how fast gator's can move in short bursts? :) :) You might find out.

[DerekRob]

Do you know how fast gator's can move in short bursts? :) :) You might find out.thats why I would want the handlers in there so I will not get bit. and thanks for the abover link it was a fun read.

[JCheungPhoto]

I've suspended myself off of the edge of a two story school building to get a wide angle "landscape" of the students leaving for the buses its going on as the final picture in our yearbook.

gotta love sturdy climbing ropes

[dmitrim]

I've done some crazy stuff to get crazy photos. I'll do anything to get a good photo...anything:cool:

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6253/n5819623765839218545582mp9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/416/n5819623765874436432585dl5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/5770/n5819623765893629115585pt6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/4695/n5819623765032507817587lu1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[poloman]

I go out on the field to take photos of polo. I am a player though and can pretty well guess which way a play will go. (the players can't be worrying about me) I also go out on snake road and get shots of venomous snakes. I don't put myself directly in harm's way though. If you do that, eventually something bad will happen. You can't shoot if your injured or dead. You will also face the ultimate humility. "What did he die of?"...."Stupidity". I want to live a long and heroic life. I have spent a lifetime taking risks. You can manage this...just stay barely on the right side of the line. Make good use of long lenses. They will give you great bokeh. :)

[Greg_C]

Does Shooting Bees sitting on top of a 6' step ladder count?

The result......
http://www.steadyhands.net/photogallery/albums/temp/image32201.jpg

[DerekRob]

I've done some crazy stuff to get crazy photos. I'll do anything to get a good photo...anything:cool:

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6253/n5819623765839218545582mp9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/416/n5819623765874436432585dl5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/5770/n5819623765893629115585pt6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/4695/n5819623765032507817587lu1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)Pretty cool shots mate. How much did you have to pay the zoo keepers for the tiger shots?

[Popper]

Do you know how fast gator's can move in short bursts? :) :) You might find out.

you're supposed to run in a zig zag motion to get away from a gator... that way they can't keep up :lol:

[DerekRob]

you're supposed to run in a zig zag motion to get away from a gator... that way they can't keep up :lol:Myth Busters proved that didn't work. and they don't really attack you on land since they're slow animals but they're fast as heck in the water.

[Nick Pro]

Myth Busters proved that didn't work. and they don't really attack you on land since they're slow animals but they're fast as heck in the water.

Wrong! Alligators can run up to 35 mph,but not for very long. http://www.ecofloridamag.com/askeditor_alligator_running_speed.htm

[DerekRob]

Wrong! Alligators can run up to 35 mph,but not for very long. http://www.ecofloridamag.com/askeditor_alligator_running_speed.htmAh well I was talking about the zigzag effect. And thank you for the link mate.

[Nighthound]

As long as your zero-to-zig foot speed is 30mph in seconds, you'll survive to zag. I've seen these animals grab prey much quicker than me up close and personal. From breeding season throughout the warm season I approach with extreme caution. I've found that the larger they get, the more unpredictable and calculating they become. I'm not trying to paint them as monsters, because they're not. Most that I see want nothing to do with humans. They're just predators going about the life and job they were designed for.

NH

[DerekRob]

As long as your zero-to-zig foot speed is 30mph in seconds. you'll survive to zag. I've seen these animals grab prey much quicker than me up close and personal. From breeding season throughout the warm season I approach with extreme caution. I've found that the larger they get, the more unpredictable and calculating they become. I'm not trying to paint them as monsters, because they're not. Most that I see want nothing to do with humans. They're just predators going about the life and job they were designed for.

NHI agree with you mate I'm just going to do the fish eye lens that everyone suggested and do the mono pod idea.

[stugotzo]

I live in Florida. You're nuts.

It was nice knowing you. :lol:

[RTMiller]

I once tried to get a shot of the dreaded Spouseous Nomakeupeous.

It ended badly. I won't try that again.:(

[andrew748]

I once tried to get a shot of the dreaded Spouseous Nomakeupeous.

It ended badly. I won't try that again.:(

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

LMAO

i empathise with your pain

[Perry Ge]

I've fallen (slid) down a few steep cliffs trying to get into a better position for landscape shots. I've also nearly been hit by a streetcar when I jumped in front of it to get a shot.

[JCheungPhoto]

I've fallen (slid) down a few steep cliffs trying to get into a better position for landscape shots. I've also nearly been hit by a streetcar when I jumped in front of it to get a shot.

u made me building scaling moment seem like childsplay

[TeeTee]

I have a habit of running into traffic to get odd shots that really aren't worth it...

http://www.eljackimages.com/temp/_T4C9989-1.jpg

[TeeTee]

Alternatively, I shoot here every week.

http://eljackimages.com/temp/_T4C6082-1%20copy.jpg

[JCheungPhoto]

Alternatively, I shoot here every week.

http://eljackimages.com/temp/_T4C6082-1%20copy.jpg

airsoft? I do that every weekend =)

[studiotime]

enough that i got bumps and bruises every week ;)

[Nick Pro]

Shooting a snowboard jam, about 3' to the left or the rail. One guy falls off the rail and plows right into me. I was holding 1D, 17-40 and a 430ex. Camera equipment was fine, so was I. They thing is though.... They guy who feel ON ME? BLAMED ME for being in that spot.

[kona77]

Well, I've pushed the envelope a few times.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=113016&d=1159467669

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=113015&d=1159467669

[Travisj]

I’ve been with in 6 to 8 feet of 4 to 6 footers and it wasn’t bad. This one was sunning at one of our local restaurants. I think I was about 8' away.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2394/2044968824_14ff2e51f6_o.jpg

[poloman]

Nice that he is smiling for you!

[FlyingPhotog]

Well, I've pushed the envelope a few times.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=113016&d=1159467669

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=113015&d=1159467669

Not half as scary as it would have been had it not been flown by professionals.

Nice of them to close the runway for your shoot... ;)

[kona77]

Not half as scary as it would have been had it not been flown by professionals.

Nice of them to close the runway for your shoot... ;)

Who said they closed it?

Actually the bottom photo was changed a bit but the plane was actually a bit further away. This was from a static airshow but the guy shooting with me runs the aiport.:) Always nice to have these guys on your side.

[RTMiller]

Who said they closed it?

The big "X" at the end of the runway designates that it was closed. Also I'm guessing he just flew over you unless he was doing a belly-landing...;)

[RTMiller]

Actually the bottom photo was changed a bit...

What does that mean? You mean you Photoshopped the aircraft to make it appear closer to you? :rolleyes:

[Wilt]

You ought to be able to rent a long lens for $100!

[Kiddo]

Oh MY!!! That's to much for me..... Did you really think about how fast those things can move when they want to?? If with the handlers there, I don't think it'll make much of a difference if he/she/they wanted to go after you for whatever reason....

And yes I've done some silly things to get that one really great photo, but I don't think I could ever do it with a gater!!!

[RTMiller]

Since the rules seemed to have changed and the 'dangerous photo' doesn't have to be real, here's one...

Look close, that's me strapped to the engine on the right. The second pic is what I shot from that vantage point.;)

http://rtmiller.smugmug.com/photos/284955790_Br5My-L.jpg

http://rtmiller.smugmug.com/photos/284955853_DyxYu-L.jpg

[FlyingPhotog]

^^^ Funny...

[Wilt]

Shudda used IS lens!

[charger912]

Regarding the OP's thread...I went to an aligator park in Alabama in '06. We watched a one of the staff feed an aligator raw chicken, and while he was in there, he was nice enough to snap a few up close pics of the gator with it's mouth openfor us. However, we only had a disposable at the time. If I had a DSLR I doubt he would have worried about getting a nice crisp shot with buttery bokeh considering his free hand was being used to get the gator to open it's mouth.

[kona77]

The big "X" at the end of the runway designates that it was closed. Also I'm guessing he just flew over you unless he was doing a belly-landing...;)

You are very observant and even I didn't notice the big X.

[kona77]

Since the rules seemed to have changed and the 'dangerous photo' doesn't have to be real, here's one...

Look close, that's me strapped to the engine on the right. The second pic is what I shot from that vantage point.;)

http://rtmiller.smugmug.com/photos/284955790_Br5My-L.jpg

http://rtmiller.smugmug.com/photos/284955853_DyxYu-L.jpg

LOL good one.

The plane did fly over us but I am sure not many people get to stand on a runway during a flyover.

[RTMiller]

LOL good one.

You're a good sport!


I am sure not many people get to stand on a runway during a flyover.

You're right about that. I work at an airport and I would love to do that. Maybe on my last day before retirement...

[sfaust]

Why would anyone take risks that can be done just the same much safer with some ingenuity? I'd risk my $8K camera any day over putting myself too close to harms way for a shot. I can always replace a monopod and camera, but its much harder to practice photography with only one arm!

Yea, it may seem glamorous and adventuresome now, right up until the point you loose a limb. Then its just plain stupid, and people won't pass up the opportunity to tell you so! I'd rather not give them the opportunity, since I've given them enough ammo as it is :)

LOL good one.

The plane did fly over us but I am sure not many people get to stand on a runway during a flyover.

I had one of my camera men on the runway while filming a promotional video for a aerobatic training flight school. The pilot did a high speed pass down the runway just over his head, about 10' high. The pilot was a lot closer than we discussed during the briefing. Scared the hell out of the camera guy, but he loved it since nothing happened:) Must have been a real rush. I've got it capture on video from his position, as well as from our position on a small hill just off the runway, and also the pilots conversation with us on the ground during the maneuvers.

Maybe, just maybe, if I knew everything would be 100% safe, yea, I'd stand my 5'10 frame out there for a 6' low pass. But I'd need a iron clad guarantee!

Nahh, not even then :)

[FlyingPhotog]

^^^ You mean like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvDDDKnNhuE

OR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaWvUTe03To&feature=related

OR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lCnUyv0uMM

[boblybill]

Does storm chasing count as going to extreems to get that awesome picture?

[DC9]

Well, I've pushed the envelope a few times.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=113016&d=1159467669

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=113015&d=1159467669


Besides the big X you did a fast wardrobe change too.

[kona77]

Besides the big X you did a fast wardrobe change too.

Well, it actually took 2 people to get these shots. One to take the shot and the other to be in it. I am in only one.:lol:

[waynedsargent]

Remember gators are mean. I shot this from a mind numbing 15ft!!!!! Takes a real MAN to shoot that close!!:rolleyes:
http://sargentphotography.smugmug.com/photos/286454116_6hmWW-L.jpg (http://sargentphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/2476919_E5H5Z/2/286454116_6hmWW/Original)

[kona77]

Remember gators are mean. I shot this from a mind numbing 15ft!!!!! Takes a real MAN to shoot that close!!:rolleyes:
http://sargentphotography.smugmug.com/photos/286454116_6hmWW-L.jpg (http://sargentphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/2476919_E5H5Z/2/286454116_6hmWW/Original)

Most would use a long lens. I would also like to know where in South Paris you saw this. I've been there but didn't see any of those creatures.:lol:

[Dusty]

Shot from a comfortable distance, saved myself $50-$100 on handler's fee :

http://www.ongmac.com.au/jdgator/jdgator1.jpg

[kona77]

Shot from a comfortable distance, saved myself $50-$100 on handler's fee :

http://www.ongmac.com.au/jdgator/jdgator1.jpg

LOL:lol:

[sfaust]

Shot from a comfortable distance, saved myself $50-$100 on handler's fee :

http://www.ongmac.com.au/jdgator/jdgator1.jpg

Those are some bad a$$ gators. Yall be careful now ya hear!

[narlus]

shooting in/near the mosh pit at a hardcore gig can be hazardous...after the first hit to the chest i learned very quickly not to keep my eye glued to the viewfinder for very long.

http://narlus.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p989335751-4.jpg

[waynedsargent]

Sure kona77 there are gators all over south paris lost a cat to one just the other day! haha! Took that in florida last week with my 70-200.

[BrinNutz]

Well, I've pushed the envelope a few times.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=113016&d=1159467669

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=113015&d=1159467669

I used to live on that base. And work on those planes... =) Awesome shots, what squadron is that and from when, may I ask?

[fordmondeo]

I tried taking a picture of my wife in the bath once.

The good news is, my prosthetic head has not rejected my body yet.

[kona77]

I used to live on that base. And work on those planes... =) Awesome shots, what squadron is that and from when, may I ask?

Those were taken at the Portland Jetport in Portland, Maine after a static airshow. I don't think you lived on this base unless it was in the parking garage.:lol:

[BrinNutz]

Those look very similar tomorrow to shots of the Brunswick Naval Air Station, where I lived/worked on th P-3's. That's why I asked! =)

[kona77]

Those look very similar tomorrow to shots of the Brunswick Naval Air Station, where I lived/worked on th P-3's. That's why I asked! =)
I can understand that. I have shot at BNAS for the airshow. Great group of guys there, super airboss too.

[Nighthound]

I encounter Gators every weekend during the warm months and have closely observed their habits and behavior (gets cold enough for them to hibernate 2-3 months). Here's a set of rules I adhere to.

Rule #1, if they're on a flat surface with solid footing, shoot from at least 20 feet and have a solid, planned escape route.
Rule #2, just because you don't see them doesn't mean they aren't there. Good rule for shooting other wildlife along the water's edge. They're ambushers and the water gives them a big advantage.
Rule#3, treat each one like it's the first. That mellow one you saw this morning may have already had breakfast.
Rule#4, take breeding season as a huge warning sign. Around here they emerge from hibernation slow and lazy, almost no aggression or appetite. As soon as the water warms up the appetite is activated and in the mature Gators, the hormones start pumping. You can see it in their eyes. Early on the eyes are kind of half open. When the juices start to flow those eyes are WIDE open and they take on a whole different demeanor.
Rule#5, those big Gators . . . they got that big by being efficient hunters and usually rule the swamp/marsh. They also usually exhibit the attitude to go with the title. I find them to be far more aggressive and unpredictable than the smaller population, especially during breeding time.

A couple years back I walked up on a large Gator by accident. I was watching the shrub line for birds along the back of the lake on a road that divides the lake and a marsh. The Gators cross this narrow road to go back and forth. The thickets have small openings where the Gators emerge to walk across. Call it being distracted, call it a lapse of concentration, whatever. The bottom line was that I got careless and when I saw movement out of the corner of my eye I was already around 2 feet from the snout of a 10 footer. I froze and VERY slowly slid one foot back and hen the other and kept moving until I was about 15-20 feet back. The Gator walked forward and went across the road with no signs of aggression. But had it chose to could quickly have latched on and slid back down the bank with me in tow. They don't need to grab flesh, only clothing and once you're in the water all bets are off. I said a lot of prayers of thanks that day.

I like the rush of shooting on the edge just as much as the next person but not carelessly. Gators are not man hunters, but they are opportunists. They're awesome animals and a very important part of the ecosystem they live in.

I hope you have an excellent trip, be safe.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Wildlife%20Photography/gatorhoriz.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/Nighthd/Wildlife%20Photography/eye2.jpg

NH

[tracknut]

I get run over by dogs periodically....

Dave

http://www.pixf.com/events/070527RCRA/LGRA/slides/dm_35867.jpg

[kona77]

I get run over by dogs periodically....

Dave

http://www.pixf.com/events/070527RCRA/LGRA/slides/dm_35867.jpg

ROFL, great shot.

Did you see Johnny Cash play at the prison?;)

[tracknut]

ROFL, great shot.

Did you see Johnny Cash play at the prison?;)

I was spending some time by myself and wasn't able to catch him. I hear it was a pretty decent concert though ;)

Dave

[ryant35]

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/ryant35/IMG_5838.jpg

This truck passed by me at around 80 mph only 10 feet away. We all got a little nervous when the trucks went into this jump 3 wide with body contact.

[PhotosGuy]

I have hung over the side of a building with someone who I didn't owe money to hanging onto my safety belt. I scratched the ears of a cougar before a Lincoln shoot.
The point? There's a big difference between taking a chance, & taking a calculated risk. I don't do, "Hey, y'all, watch this!" ;)

[ryant35]

I used to live on that base. And work on those planes... =) Awesome shots, what squadron is that and from when, may I ask?

That second shot reminds me of the move Pushing Tin.

I can assume you don't to this with jets of a similar size...

[bsmotril]

Nothing personal against the fine folks in Florida, but based on my experiences there, all it will cost you to get them to jump in the pen with the 'gators is a 12 pack of Budweiser.

[slmdls1]

i found one chilling on the side of the road. (shot with an old point and shoot - Kodak Z760)
http://fc05.deviantart.com/fs9/i/2006/074/f/e/__Alligator_Alley___by_slmdls1.jpg

I eventually figured out why "the chicken crossed the road".
http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs16/f/2007/156/6/d/Crossroads_by_slmdls1.jpg

this one was about a 10-12 footer from our jon boat while fishing. he looked like he was up to no good from the get go.(XTi w/75-300mm)
http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs18/f/2007/136/a/b/Gator_by_slmdls1.jpg

[BrinNutz]

LOL good one.

The plane did fly over us but I am sure not many people get to stand on a runway during a flyover.

I used to stand under them when they were turning the engines. Back them up (they have reverse thrust), I almost got blown over one time!

At one base, the munitions load point is at one end of the runway. That was sweet!!

[kona77]

Here are 2 shots that the client wanted from my trip to Tanzania. They are much closer than it looks. Not to mention I was standing in sand.

[_aravena]

This thread is a lot more boring than I thought...

Gators, they live in my backyard, big whoop. Get a tele and shoot at them when they're sunning and their mouths are open. Or throw some mice at them. Want up close and personal go tot he Everglades or Lake Hancock.

[elader]

Here are 2 shots that the client wanted from my trip to Tanzania. They are much closer than it looks. Not to mention I was standing in sand.


That hippo shot scares the snot out of me.

[kona77]

That hippo shot scares the snot out of me.

You should see them take their 4000lbs straight up a 30ft bank when they want to get your attention.:shock:

They are huge and it is unbelievable how they can be 20 yards from you in the bush and you can't even see them.

[TeeTee]

I tell my friend "Whatever you do, DONT TOUCH THE TRIGGER!"

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/2429947228_a63d9413ca.jpg?v=0

[greygoose]

I have a habit of running into traffic to get odd shots that really aren't worth it...

http://www.eljackimages.com/temp/_T4C9989-1.jpg



i thought i was the only one.:lol:

[PhotosGuy]

They are huge and it is unbelievable how they can be 20 yards from you in the bush and you can't even see them. We had this elephant booked for an outside shoot. While we were setting up & letting her get used to the environment, Wanda "wandaed" over to some sumac & hid. I had to laugh. The top of her head & eyes showed over the sumac & she thought we couldn't see her.
Note: Kids, don't try this at home unless you have a BIG shovel! ;)

[kona77]

We had this elephant booked for an outside shoot. While we were setting up & letting her get used to the environment, Wanda "wandaed" over to some sumac & hid. I had to laugh. The top of her head & eyes showed over the sumac & she thought we couldn't see her.
Note: Kids, don't try this at home unless you have a BIG shovel! ;)
ROFL. And they say don't work with kids or animals. Sometimes they are one in the same.

[CTScrivener]

Well, as dumb as this is going to sound and I know I will be flamed by the members where most likely for stupidity BUT, as long as you don't intimidate the creature and/or disturb or threaten it....most of the time you can get pretty close. I have never PAID to get close to an alligator but I have walked up on quite a few in the wild to get some nice shots of them. I wouldn't do that if there mouths were open but I do get within 2 - 3 feet of them.

One thing if you do ever get close to one, my opinion....never approach one where it's feet are planted on the ground. If it's legs are tucked clsoe to the body laying back and against the ground, it's not SOOO bad....cause then you have somewhat of a warning due to the fact that he has to raise it's feet up and plant them on the ground to get into position to move.


I WOULD NEVER suggest approaching a gator or any wild animal though....sorry. I have done it but I wouldn't suggest it and I don't let anyone else that is with me near the creature.

Too dangerous....