Drama

Took a boat out of Beaux Bridge, Louisiana, onto the Atchafalaya River this October. The water is low this time of year, so much more vegetation is exposed when the swamp is low. I was interested in photographing some late-blooming Water Hyacinths we passed by. As we approached the floral patch, I glanced at another bloom to my left and saw this large prehistoric eye looking at me. Alligators are elusive regarding boats; I knew my time was short. I quickly took 5 shots before he disappeared into the water. I used a 100-500 lens, shot at 500mm, and cropped it in post. Brought down some of the late-day glow shining off the vegetation to make the eyes pop more—basic color, lighting correction, and sharpening.