Image(s)
Image Description
Don’t blink when a Zebra Tailed Lizard decides to break from cover in the low desert of Joshua Tree National Park. These sleek reptiles have been clocked at 18 miles per hour – and on top of that, they blend perfectly into the sand. I suspect that’s equivalent to a human running like Superman. I happened upon this fellow when he was in the mood to defend territory, and caught this no-nonsense display from just a few feet away. I think he was seriously considering kicking my butt. Length: about 10 inches.
Feedback Requests
Well I feel it’s a competent wildlife portrait but maybe not a great photograph. Not sure how one might get a great photo of these little speedsters; or how a different crop might improve this shot. I have another shot of him facing me, rising on his toes to make himself look larger, but this one best shows a critter built for speed.
Pertinent Technical Details
Bright out there – shot with Nikon Z6II at 1/2000th, ISO 640, F20, 400MM. Kind of sloppy settings, but I was expecting to photograph desert birds.