As a wildlife photography enthusiast, I’ve learned that patience and persistence often lead to the most rewarding shots. One of my favorite spots to practice this art is the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Over the years, I’ve made it a habit to stop at the Phillip Parks Memorial Fishing Pier near the Reeves Boat Ramp, and this location has never disappointed.
Recently, my dedication paid off in an unexpected way. On a routine visit to the pier, I came upon a sight that had long been on my photography wishlist: an American Green Tree Frog striking a perfect pose on a Lotus plant stem.
What made this encounter special was the frog’s posture. Typically, these amphibians tend to flatten themselves against their resting surface, making for less dynamic photographs. However, this particular frog seemed to have a flair for the dramatic. It was perched on the stem, alert and engaged, looking directly in my direction as if aware of its impromptu photoshoot.
The frog’s pose was reminiscent of images I’d admired from other wildlife photographers – a composition I’d hoped to capture myself someday. There it was, the frog’s body angled gracefully around the stem, its eyes bright and attentive. It was as if nature had decided to grant me this small but significant wish.
This experience reinforces why I keep returning to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. Each visit holds the potential for surprises, whether it’s a perfectly posed frog, a rare bird sighting, or simply the serene beauty of the Oklahoma landscape. It’s a reminder that in wildlife photography, every outing is an opportunity for discovery, and sometimes, the most striking images come when we least expect them.
So, to my fellow nature enthusiasts and photographers, I encourage you to find your own “Phillip Parks Memorial Fishing Pier” – a place you can return to time and again, where patience and perseverance might just reward you with that perfect shot you’ve been dreaming of.
Steve, could you share the aperture you used in the photo. The focus is excellent considering that the frog is less than 2 inches long
Don, I shot this at f8.
Oh, wow, that is the perfect pose!