chameleons Panther Chameleon Eating Mantis(click for large)

Hard to believe I haven't gotten this guy out for a photoshoot since

last December.

I should have said, "hadn't", not "haven't". Picture was taken yesterday.

Old P.C. is getting to be quite the ham. I'm sure he is very patient as he waits for you to set up all the gear, backdrops and lighting. This is another brilliant and well timed shot.

Of course the technical details are perfect, they always are, but I like the lackadaisical expression on PC's face; sorta like, no big deal... Mike

Thanks, James. Haha. Of course I set that all up before I brought him out, but I did just realize the mantises freeze if I put them up after P.C....aka Dexter. If I put the mantis on the wood and then go get Dexter, I'm lucky if they aren't on the floor or on the other side of the room by the time I get back. If he is already on the branch, then they get scared and freeze until he eats them or I get tired of waiting and put them all up. Makes for such an easier shoot.

Thanks, Mike. Yeah, it was a pretty short shot, so definitely no big deal for him. I kept it tight, thinking the best shot would be one with the mantis coming back to his mouth and I didn't want the crop to be too tight, but it turns out this is very near full frame and was the best picture.

Amazing, as usual! Somewhat of a "short shot" for Dexter, but quite a mouthful!

Superb shot,Scott.

Really nice image. Strong yet balanced colors. Great timing and really nice composition. I rated this 7/7. World class image that just sinks into my permanent memory to work as a reference to similar setups in the future.