Name: Steven David Johnson
Title: Red-spotted Newt Courtship Behaviour Underwater
Category: Animals
Nationality: American
Occupation: Professor of Visual and Communication Arts / Conservation Photographer

Steven says:
‘I made this image in the early days of a long-term series about vernal pool life and the fascinating creatures that inhabit temporary ponds in the southern Appalachian Mountains and surrounding lowlands. Most aquatic salamanders breed at night, but red-spotted newts are one of the exceptions. Because their skin contains powerful toxins, they can be out and about in broad daylight with relatively little concern for predators. I photographed this pair of newts engaged in courtship behavior just below the surface of a vernal pool in Virginia.’

Technical information
Canon Rebel T3i
Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro
ISO 100
f/8
1/4sec
Accessories: Ikelite underwater housing
Post processing: Basic adjustments in Lightroom. 

Website: stevendavidjohnson.com
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