I usually try to fill the frame as much as possible when I photograph wildlife, but it is equally cool sometimes to take a wider shot that shows the subject’s environment. That was the case with this photo of a Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps) that I took last Friday at Occoquan Regional Park. As many of you know, during this time of the year I shoot most often with a macro lens that does not zoom. When I spotted this skink from a distance, I took this shot, suspecting that the skink would scamper away if I got any closer. As soon as I took one more step, the skink disappeared under the tree.
I love the contrast between the bright orange head of the skink and the vibrant green moss on the trunk of the fallen tree. This is probably a male skink, given that the head in males becomes bright orange, as in the photo, during the mating season (spring) but fades and reduces in size in other times of the year.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That’s pretty skinky! 🙂
🙂
My nemesis, the porch invader that hides in my stuff!
So cool!
Great Image Mike! They are very skiddish and disappear quickly!!
I love the angle. I’m glad you either took it at an angle or didn’t straighten nature.
That was the way that nature gave it to me. 🙂
Always a wise choice, to shoot first and then try to sneak in for more. And I like the wider view; the little skink stands out just fine against the darker greens and browns very nicely.
I also find that my approach changes a bit when I am shooting with a lens with a fixed focal length rather than with a zoom. I am much more conscious of how I am composing a shot when I know that I will have to physically move if I want to fill more of the frame with my subject.
Wicked colour contrast … wonderful!
Thanks, Liz.
Well spotted and great shot, Mike!
Amazing shot..
Thanks, Nick.
Really interesting! Please feel free to check out my recent post regarding trumps order to waive important environmental laws ✨
Wonderful! Thank you…