"Don't eat me, I just want to take your picture"

[David640]

I took this picture at a nature preserve in St. Petersburg Fl.
I had to step beyond the fence to get this angle, when The Aligator moved I high tailed back to the platform just in case.
I had never done anything so daring in my life and I found it exciting to "tempt fate" like that.

This is one of my favorite pictures.
David

[Saralonde]

Now there's an interesting memory for you! Not sure I'd like to get too close to him either.
I think you composed it pretty well for taking it on the run. He's emerging from the back of the pic at a slight angle and there is no distracting background. It seems dark, though you might be able to lighten it up with some editing.

[velvet4269]

When I went to New Orleans a few years ago, my friend & I did the swamp tour. Our guide has us on the boat, out in the middle of a Bayou, and makes noise for the gators to come along. One guy decided to swim right up to the boat, (http://www.adminwizards.net/gallery/j_no_04-05/DSCN0105) and as he was swimming away, our guide grabbed the gator by the tail and hauled his back end out of the water (leaving the rather pointy, sharp end in the water).

I was standing right next to the guide as he did this - I wouldn't have even needed to extend my arm completely in order to touch the gator.

All that ramble to say "I understand your high-tailing it out of there" and "nice shot!" :)

[windrider86]

You are one brave soul. It is a wonderful shot tho a tad dark