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Bloukop vir 'n Kaaskop


Bloukop vir 'n Kaaskop
Photo Information
Copyright: Loot Eksteen (loot) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5524 W: 722 N: 4163] (11276)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-10-19
Categories: Reptiles
Camera: Sony Cybershot DSC H9, Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 15x Optical zoom, Digital ISO 100
Exposure: f/4.5, 1/500 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Travelogue: Kruger National Park - 2007
Theme(s): Reptiles of Africa, Reptiles - Lizards, Chuckwallas, Agamas & Tegus 1, 100 points or more (Chapter 3), A study in Herpetology (reptiles) 1, Blue Things, Kruger National Park 2, Dedications at TrekNature Part Three, jmp *3, Alex99 favorite photos, 5 favs. and up - PART 4, My Dedications ;o) [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-03-08 22:59
Viewed: 24801
Favorites: 4 [view]
Points: 126
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Southern Tree Agama - Acanthocercus atricollis

This one is dedicated to the birthday boy, Aaltjie van Zevenster. Now you might ask what this "Bloukop vir 'n Kaaskop" means? However, before I continue I must just say that I sincerely hope I don't offend anyone as it is meant to be "tongue in cheek". This is an Afrikaans title where "Bloukop" means "Blue-head" and refers to the "Blue-headed Agama" and "Kaaskop" means "Cheese head" which refers to the Netherlands or more specifically a Dutchman because they are so well known for making tasty cheese. So, if the title were directly translated it would read something like "A Blue-head for a Cheese-head".

My dear friend Aaltjie used to be a "cheese maker" and I hope he will pardon me for quoting some of the words he once wrote to me about his occupation before his retirement. I quote: "I was a cheese maker. So you see, once a Kaaskop always a Kaaskop. You cannot get rid of the cheese. It was a very interesting and educational job, which I enjoyed very much". If you have a look at the photo on Aaltjie's "Intro" page you will see that he seems to be very "proud" at being a "kaaskop" and I for one (and I am sure millions of others as well) appreciate people like him who makes all those wonderful and tasty cheeses that we can enjoy everyday.

Thanks so much for your wonderful and unselfish contribution you pour upon me and so many other TrekNature members. I hope you enjoy your birthday and that your friends and family spoil you rotten today. May there still be many more to follow.

**Note: In tender memory of my dear friend Aaltjie, who passed away on 19 October 2009, I have posted (as a workshop) the only photo I have of him and his girlfriend Hettie. I received this photo from Aaltjie, for Christmas 2008, after he moved back to Holland.

Something about the Agama photo.
This was a little gift one morning when we entered the gate at the Lower Sabie camp. We quickly wanted to stock up on some cold drinks and other refreshments before taking a distant drive that would move us far away from any shops etc. and as we approached the gate I saw this dead tree trunk lying next to the road. The next moment I noticed a spot of brilliant blue standing out above the trunk.

This brave little guy was boldly showing his intentions and he was not going to be intimidated by this camera yielding photographer or sacrifice his little spot in the sun. He fearlessly sat there and watched my every move as I clicked away. Eventually he even got on top of the trunk defiantly lying there and watching me. Eventually we left and went to purchase our refreshments and when we exited the camp this guy was still lying on his tree which made me realise that he has lost all fear of vehicles. This was his little kingdom and he was not going to be disturbed or concerned by anything unless it was something that wants to eat him.

Taxonomic Classification
KINGDOM: Animalia (animals)
PHYLUM: Chordata (vertebrates, tunicates, & lancelets)
CLASS: Reptilia (crocodilia, lizards, snakes, and turtles)
ORDER: Squamata (scaled reptiles – lizards and snakes)
SUBORDER : Lacertilia (true lizards; including chameleons and geckos)
FAMILY: Agamidae (lizards characterised by predominantly acrodont dentition)

Description
A large sized, long tailed lizard, reaching a maximum length of 38cm (15 inches). The cordiform head is relatively large and triangular. The head and body are distinctly separate. Tail is relatively long and slender, extremities are strong and long. Agamas have strong limbs. Their bodies are compact and spiny. The scales on the body are small and keeled, with those along the back larger and mixed with scattered, enlarged, spiny scales.

Coloration: distinct sexual colour dimorphism, high ability to change colours. General colouration in both sexes brownish to greyish. Females (mainly if gravid) possess two series of orange to yellowish dorsal spots, males usually darker

Breeding males have a dull blue to bluish back, with bright blue to straw-yellow spines. The head is a coppery-green to brilliant ultramarine on top, blue-green on the sides and peacock-blue on the throat. There is a large black spot on each side above the shoulder, and a broad, blue-green to yellowish vertebral stripe. The tail is dull green to olive-brown.

Females and non-breeding males are olive to green-brown, marbled with black above, with a black shoulder spot. Juveniles have a similar ground colour, with dark X-shapes surrounded by white blotches along the sides. The tail is banded with dark brown-black.

Distribution
Widely distributed in Eastern and Central Africa i.e. Angola, Botswana, Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa as far down south to Zululand.

Habitat
These agamas are found in the open savanna, and along the edges of forests. Often found in close vicinity of human settlements. Although principally terrestrial, climbs rocks, trees and buildings. Males strictly territorial, observing their home range from protruding points.

Behaviour
These beautiful lizards are frequently seen nodding their heads in display while clinging to a tree trunk. Most Agamas are terrestrial, but this species is arboreal. They come to the ground only to cross to another tree, and occasionally to eat.

When threatened, they retreat around the tree trunk, always keeping the trunk between themselves and danger. They will gape the mouth widely, showing the bright orange mouth lining, and will deliver a painful bite if caught. Contrary to popular belief, they are not poisonous.

They sleep at night in a hollow branch or under peeling bark.

Food
Feeds on wide spectrum of invertebrates, especially on insects (ants, flying ants, termites, grasshoppers, beetles, millipedes and other arthropods), occasionally on small vertebrates.

Reproduction
The female lays 8-14 oval, soft-shelled eggs in a hole dug in moist soil. They hatch after about 90 days. Hatchlings measure 70-80mm (about 3 inches). They triple in size in their first year, but growth slows thereafter. They become sexually mature in their second year. Source

Post Processing was done with Adobe Photoshop CS2.
rcrick, Scott, ramthakur, timonejoon, smitha, boreocypriensis, mariki, gerbilratz, jcoowanitwong, XOTAELE, uleko, ellis49, sandpiper2, darwin, albert, kebapci, Dyker, joey, parthasarathi, Alex99, vanderschelden, jaycee, matatur, Tamrock, Miss_Piggy, bobcat08, Aaltjie, horia, jeanpaul, soccer, Rehanna, SkyF, saguzar, jmp, peter_stoeckl, marhowie, Proframe, stevkds, haraprasan, hester, lovenature, thor68, TAZ, Amadeo, Jonas_Schmitt_, betsie, jpdenk has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To ellis49: Blame it on the Rat Raceloot 1 03-09 10:43
To vanderschelden: Chuckle...loot 2 03-09 10:41
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Critiques [Translate]

G'day Loot,
Wow what amazing colour and detail in this long tailed lizard, excellent POV, and I love the tight crop, just beautiful, all the best Cheer Rick :)
:)

Hello Nextdoor Neighbour!
Thrilled to see your latest post -- a Southern Tree Agama. Very handsome character. The blue colour makes it so distinct.
Great POV and immaculate sharpness.
Thanks for sharing this beauty and have a great day.
Ram

  • Great 
  • Scott Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 225 W: 0 N: 356] (1752)
  • [2008-03-08 23:10]

Loot,

Dit is lekker, well done. The color is fantistic, the low POV shows it well.

TFS

Scott

Hi Loot

wow! wonderfull collers and great details. Lizard pose are always funny for me.
Well done
TFS
Babak

Hi Loot,
A lovely and fantastic:) shot of this beautifully colored agamid species with excellent details, lighting and sharpnes friend. The pose and the details of the trunk great too. TFS for this beauty.
Cheers,

Bayram

Hello Loot,

Very nice portrait of this beautiful lizard. Great composition. Great sharpness. Excellent contrast against the blurry background. Thank you again for your explanation, I think I got it now.
Cheers,
Mariki

Hi Loot...lovely lizard..great colours and an excellent pose and POV...really good focus...TFS

Hi Loot,
The color of this Blue Headed Agama is fantastic. It stands out from the blurry background. Sharp and crystal clear image. Very well done.
JC

Hola Loot.
Fantásticos colores y genial bg.
Buena DoF y acertado encuadre junto a una completa nota.
Un cordial saludo, JL.

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3396 W: 172 N: 3310] (10940)
  • [2008-03-09 1:52]

Hello Loot,
What a fantastic capture of this wonderful Agama in striking blue/torquoise colours! Very well-timed to catch him in this fine pose. Excellent sharp details, a fine contrasting background and very well composed. A very interesting note too!
Many thanks and best wishes, Ulla

Hi Loot,
it's a great birthday present to our friend Aaltjie, he must be very pleased with this beautiful picture.
The colours are amazing, it is really shimmering in all kind of bluet ones.
The pose and composition are great, the sharpness and DOF as well, the whole lizard is in good focus and it standout well from the BG. And of course a great note too.
It's a beautiful work, old friend.

I have not seen you for a while, spent time in the DB? ;-))
/Gert

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5137 W: 166 N: 13121] (49139)
  • [2008-03-09 3:33]

Hello Loot,
For me as Dutchman 'Bloukop vir ‘n Kaaskop' don't need any explanation. Suidafrikaans is a wonderful, half dutch, language, as you know.
Your photo is really perfect! The intens blue colours are amazing in a perfect contrast against the BG. Sharpness, details, POV, DOF, composition are also perfect. High quality!
Regards,
Peter

Hello Loot,
A beautiful birthday gift for Aaltjie. I am sure he is going to love this one:) The picture as usual is superb. I very much liked the pose captured. It looks so proud.The POV and the DOF are excellent.Very good sharpness and details.(I wonder why I have never been able to get such good details in my attempts to shoot a garden lizard.)Nice light too.
Thanks for the share,
Smitha.
By the way Loot, thanks for clearing my doubt. I always used to wonder why Aaltjie used a cheese for his profile shot.Now I know.:)

Hi Loot

Lenka posted the red-headed rock agama the other day and we get a blue-headed tree agama; they certainly are a colourful group of lizards.

This guy really is a very handsome chap, That blue is electric.

Obviously well composed as usual and stunning sharpness. Great POV and a perfect contrasting background.

Excellent work my friend.

Chris

Hi Loot
Amazing color Lizard
Wonderful capture
Fine detail and clarity
Nice background tfs jon

Hello Loot,
Very good picture of this Agama
Nice pose and sharp details
Well done
Albert

Leaves nothing to say, wonderful colors and POV

TFS

Ümit

  • Great 
  • batu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1079 W: 293 N: 4497] (16383)
  • [2008-03-09 7:27]

Hello Loot,
the clarity, sharpness and the colours of the picture are amazing.
Together with the composition and the selected point of view, it is very attractive.
Best wishes, Peter

  • Great 
  • Dyker Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 136 W: 0 N: 57] (170)
  • [2008-03-09 7:53]

Hello Loot
This 'Bloukop' is really 'blou'. What an intense blue and it is so brilliantly shown off against the out of focus background. The focus on the lizard is as sharp as can be. I am actually quite surprised in the level of sharpness you achieved with the Sony H9. That brings up the old questions. Is it the camera that is so good, or is it the photographer that is so good, or is it a combination of the two? Well I suppose my answer in this case have to be, "A combination of the two, but I would suggest a good measure of the photographers skills has added to the success of this photo". This is a wonderful dedication to Aaltjie and I am convinced that he will truly appreciate it.
Greetings
AC

Excellent and great shot,Well compo

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1739 W: 224 N: 6872] (24909)
  • [2008-03-09 8:46]

Hello Loot,
what a nice dedication to Aaltjie who will surely appreciate this greatly!
And what a stunning little Lizard you post as well!
The electric blue colouring is amazing!
Razor-sharp with great clarity.
Very well done,
Joe

Wonderfull collers and great details.

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4072 W: 133 N: 7096] (23735)
  • [2008-03-09 9:13]

Hi Loot.
So touching dedication and note. But your gift is the best. I cannot imagine the better shot. It is really fantastic by subject and by quality. Concerning the camera (and quality of the picture). You could specify any known cameras (Canon 1Ds Mark III or Nikon D3) and every one would trust you. Bravo. Outstanding picture with brilliant reproduction of the scene, brilliant selection scene for shooting. My congratulations.
Alexei.

Hello Loot,
"Bloukop vir 'n Kaaskop", that's just fun for a Belgian and a Dutchman.
We, in the Dutch speaking southern part of Belgium, we still call our neighbours 'Kaaskoppen'. Not to offend. Think they'll laugh already...and they make tasty cheese after all.
I remember some people in Kruger even called me "The Dutchman with the long lens".
'Besides' congrats Aaltjie!!!
Loot, this isn't photographed in your garden apparently. I remember you mention this in a critique on my Southern tree agama image a while ago in which you said you often spotted this animal in your garden.
Very good image; for example the depth of field is just accurate. Well composed, effective background,...
Well done
TFS
Annick

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2454 W: 10 N: 8044] (25460)
  • [2008-03-09 10:14]

Hi Loot,

A fantastic shot of this very feisty Agama. The colors are truly amazing. Only Nature could put these blues together and make it work. Fantastic details of the face, eye and skin. He posed nicely for you and looks great against the background.

Jane

Aaah, a handsome and colorful agamid in a characteristic posture expertly captured Loot, good job my friend. A small point on your classification though, phylum Chordata surely includes the vertebrates, but also surely does not contain any invertebrates my friend!
Cheers,
Mehmet

hi loot!
what a great animal!
very nice with amazing colours
great work!

Hello Loot,
WOW! great capture, fantastic sharpness and details, excellent composition and pov, lovely vibrant colors, the blue is beautiful, great pose and good light.
angela

Hallo Loot
This if perfect capture with excellent focus, sharpness and details. I am astound by the beauty of this reptile, and I do not really know what else to say, than that I think this is a perfect photo with so much to appreciate. Just love the very bright blue colour. I recognise two shades of blue on the scales. Everything is just so clear and noticeable, especially the nails on the paws. A great shot and great timing to capture this fabulous pose. Look at the eye, it is as if he is peeping at you, but do not want you to know he is looking at you. This image of this stunning animal is just once more proof of the wonder of nature. A perfect presentation. You could not have shared something prettier than this agama, and I am sure Aaltjie will just love it. Thanks for sharing.
Love
Anna

Hello Loot,
I compliment this outstand and beautiful photo of stunning colour Lizard!
awesome pov with total sharpness, vivid colour and very details in the shot
many thanks for the notes too
best regards
Tony

Wat 'n mooi "ou man" - Hierdie is vir my by verre een van jou beste fotos. Die tydsberekening op hierdie foto was perfek en die kleure is ongelooflik! Die kleure van die boomstom komplimenteer dit uitstekend. Baie geluk Loot - hierdie is skaam diertjie en ek glo nie dit is maklik om so foto te neem nie.

Hello Loot,

Are you a Kaaskop (-:

What a colors and what an excellent low POV. How did you managed that (lucky or patience)I like a low POV very much.Excellent contrast against the blurry background. And thanks for the very interesting notes. Have a nice day and TFS BOB

Dearest Loot
How pleasantly did you surprise me? A splendid gift in the appearance of a photo of a most beautiful reptile on my new computer screen. I am really out of words and do appreciate your gesture. The fact that you remembered that blue is my favourite colour makes it more special to me.

Blue is the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. – That was just a few things I have read what the colour blue means. There is actually so much more. You could not have chosen a better coloured subject for my birthday dedication.

At a previous time I gave you a critique in a different than normal manner and the response from your side was very positive, and you said you like it. I thought I’ll do it again to express how I see this lovely image.

Brilliant
Luminous
Obvious
Unique
Kind of you
Oddish
Prettier than pretty

Valueble
Ideal dedication for Aaltjie
Radiant

Knock out scene
Astonishing
Amazing
Stunning
Kosher
Outrages
Perfect photography

You are a unique man indeed. I appreciate you for your kindness and making my day special.

Warmest regards
Aaltjie

  • Great 
  • horia Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2158 W: 224 N: 4749] (16656)
  • [2008-03-10 10:10]

Hi Loot

A superb photo and a great dedication for Aaltjie!
I just love that vivid blue he so proudly displays...it's indeed very photogenic!
The details of your capture are terrific and the DOF that you used are very beautiful and sharp.

His pose is also fantastic and although it's incredible that he will do anything to defend his spot there, i'm not at all sure that it's good that he has no more fear of vehicles and humans. It's a thing that sadly might cost his life once...

Anyway, as i said, a gorgeous shot and a lovely post!
Bravo and TFS
Horia

Hi Loot
Cette photo est une splendeur!
Le piqué avec des détails d'une grande finesse, les couleurs éclatantes, la mise en image très bien choisie.
Une petite merveille!
Merci et a la prochaine..

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3277 W: 148 N: 6163] (18832)
  • [2008-03-10 21:27]

Hey Loot, he looks like a BLUE's supporter!!
I love his pose and excellent focus and colourful details. He is quite a beauty, so unusual to see something in this brilliant colour. Wonderful capture, really cute
Janice

Loot,

What a great pose. I have had a few opportunities over the years but find they are not always keen to have people near to them.

The pic is very well composed. The sharpness of the subject, DOF, BG, Lighting, detail, colour and POV are all excellent.

TFS,
Sheriff

Hello Loot

Ek wou amper groet met "Hello Mr. De Blou". Maggies, maar dit is intens. Ek het al 'n keer of wat van hierdie bloukop koggelmanders gesien, maar nog nog nooit een wat sooooo blou was nie. Hierdie ou het werklik waar 'n groot advertensie uitgehang om te wys dat hy reg is en goeie genetiese materiaal is om mee te paar. Geen wyfie wat naby hom was sou hom kon ignoreer nie. Die natuur is darem wonderlik, maar Loot, jy het hierdie ou met sekure akkuraatheid afgeneem. Die foto is werklikwaar so skerp dat sou ek wou kon ek elke skub op sy ou lyfie tel. Voorwaar uitstekende werk nogmaals.

Ek kan sien dat Aaltjie ook in sy noppies was met die toewyding. Mooi gedagte en welgedaan.

Groete
Rehanna

  • Great 
  • SkyF Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2234 W: 188 N: 1912] (8073)
  • [2008-03-13 4:24]

Hi Loot,
quite the colorful fellow we got here, I have to say I never seen one in those colors.
Amazing creature and it knows, must have been modeling before, sure knows how to pose.
The composition is fabulous, this critter looks like its coming out of the monitor.
Sharpness, colors and details are superb.
Sky

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3089 W: 230 N: 6774] (23770)
  • [2008-03-13 6:53]

Hi Loot,
What an amazing looking creature. That electric blue is "out-of-this-world". You really caught its deep saturation. Great expression on this agama, with its nose up in the air. He seems to be saying, "I am surveying my domain!" Beautiful textures on the skin of the little reptile and on the old log, well shown against the bokeh of the BG. Another masterpiece!
TFS, and hope all is well with you, my friend. : )

Hola Loot,
Impecable foto de un maravilloso e intensamente colorido lagarto, nunca vi uno así, me da envidia que tengas esa fauna allí...ja, ja. Impactante la nitidez, la composición, el colorido, todo sobre un adecuado fondo liso y no distrayente. También disfruté la nota y los datos sobre la especie. Todo esto hace un trabajo estupendo
Un gran abrazo virtual,
Hernán

  • Great 
  • jmp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1659 W: 95 N: 2273] (8415)
  • [2008-03-15 1:43]

Hi Loot,
What to say seeing this masterpiece? A sample for studing why something likes!
TFS, José M.

Dear Loot,
wonderful capture - the ideal pose to show that amazingly deep blue agame's head in marvellous contrast against the warm hues of dry vegetation. A perfect podium, as well. Excellent image once more, my dear friend.
With best regards,
Peter

Hi Loot!
The sharpness and colour you captured here is unbelieveable! How DO you get all your photos so sharp! Compostion is perfect! Well done!
Peter

Hello Loot,
"A Blue head for a Cheese head"..Well that could be me, I love blue cheese on my salad!
Well my friend, I cannot find one thing to nit pick here, technically and otherwise an excellent post.
A Very enjoyable visit, I must say :)
Howard

  • Great 
  • chiliu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1457 W: 0 N: 1176] (6526)
  • [2008-03-20 23:24]

Hi Loot, this is a fantastic shot! Amazing colours, great DOF, excellent detail and nice composition.
Congratulation!
Chi

Hi Loot,

Great to take a look at your very beautiful images again.
This one is no exception to that.
Now I know why I missed TN so much over the past few months.
Most wonderful colors on the Agama and the details, sharpness and composition is great.
Love the pose with head up and the Agama does stand out perfectly against the soft BG.

Best regards and I do wish you and yours a very Happy Easter.

Harry

Hi Loot,

very nice agama. Harmony of atmosphere, colours, lightning. Excellent composition. Very well done. Africa is my dream.tfs. Stev

Hi Loot,
A nice capture of this beautifully colored Agama. Excellent sharp details and a fine composition. Thanks a lot for sharing.

  • Great 
  • hester Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1515 W: 18 N: 3165] (11638)
  • [2008-03-27 11:48]

Hi Loot

What a beauty - this really has stunning colours and I love all the textures and details captured. Great pose and POV. Sharp and with excellent DOF. Really excellent

TFS

Karan

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-03-31 20:12]

Hello Loot

Wonderful capture.
The detail and clarity is wonderful.
Super colours,you have managed the lighting extremely well.
The texture of the skin and the detail in the face is impressive.
Great eye contact.
TFS
Rob

Hi Loot
What a beautiful boy your Tree Agama is. He colour of blue is just stunning! I love his stance and the look he's giving you. A nice sharp image Loot...as always. Excellent note too.
TFS Janice

Hi loot
another perfect shot
I can learn so much from you
you do so well with taking pictures of animals
another very good one
nice pov good colours and sharpness
very well done
Toba

  • Great 
  • thor68 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 795 W: 138 N: 1319] (5674)
  • [2008-04-13 10:30]

jeez, he is really feeling blue in the morning isn´t he?! *lol* what a pretty agama! :-) what a poser! and i guess he was waiting just for you, loot.
excellent and well composed capture - the interesting old log taking up just enough space on the bottom and the amazing agama
with its fascinating shades of blue perfectly positioned on the right against a great blurred brownish bg.
terrific job & best wishes from cologne, thor.

  • Great 
  • TAZ Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2241 W: 47 N: 3167] (10926)
  • [2008-04-18 9:07]

Hello dear Loot,
Great macro, it is a pleasure for my eyes to see this incredible species !
The "+++++" : composition, great and strange subject, pose, POV, sharpness, DOF, blurred BG, exposure, warm colors and ncredible skin color, very useful and instructive complementary note...
The "-" : nothing as usual...
Congratulations my old friend and thanks for sharing,
Christian

Habari Loot,
This blue agama's color is very intense and very attractive and sets so beautifully on the soft warm background. Excellent clarity! Super capture!
Paul :)

  • Great 
  • Amadeo Gold Star Critiquer [C: 168 W: 0 N: 755] (3323)
  • [2008-04-30 13:21]

Hola Loot, el color y la luz impresionante, pero el nivel de detalle es perfecto. Un saludo

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1772 W: 36 N: 5597] (18598)
  • [2008-05-02 8:34]

Hi Loot,
Outstanding shot of this Southern Tree Agama with such glorious colours and sharp details on its scales. Superb natural lighting and an elegant pose captured. A precise DOF isolates the subjects from the BG perfectly and I like your chosen POV to portray it. Very nicely composed. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

Excellent shot! The gorgeous colours and sharpness look great. Also the blurred out bg enhance the bright blue colour even more.

  •      
  • lawbert Gold Star Critiquer [C: 333 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-07-22 9:16]

Hi Loot
Just Marking for Now..I will add to theme later.
Paul

This is a wonderful shot with fantastic colours and sharpness!
Great detail on a great pov!
Thanks for sharing!
Ilias

I just started looking over all your wonderful images when this one particularly drew my attention. What a defiant look of superiority... immovable. And that blue color... WOW. Awesome detail, great POV, and composition. Notes are extremely useful. TFS

Larry

  • Great 
  • foozi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2791 W: 0 N: 6696] (25839)
  • [2008-09-04 20:38]

Hello Loot,
I would say that I never imagine there would be a lizard that has this colour. Truly amazing and you captured it brilliantly. The great sharpness and excellent clarity makes your nature shot a very impressive one.
wonderful composition with lovely pestel burred background.

regards,
Foozi

Hello Loot,

I was wandering through TN this afternoon and stumbled on this shot, absolutely excellent sharpness and detail and the lizard's color is amazing. He has the look of a little tyrant, surveying his kingdom. I know I'm anthropomorphizing, but that's how he looks to me. ;-)

An excellent composition too, the subject being right of center works very nicely.

Thanks,
John

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