This morning I am sharing a photo of a Cuban Tree Frog. The image was taken at the USF Botanical Gardens while I was there with my best friend, Patty.

Adult Cuban Tree Frog in a golden tunnel, USF Botanical Gardens, Hillsborough County, FloridaAdult Cuban Tree Frog in a golden tunnel

The tree frog was resting inside a plant when I photographed it, and I wish now that I had noted what kind of plant it was.

The university’s botanical gardens were a favorite spot for me to visit, armed with my camera and often in the company of my best friend. We spent many a morning there photographing flowers, trees, butterflies, bees, and and anything else we could find.

Cuban Tree Frogs are an introduced species in Florida.

These tree frogs can outcompete native species for resources and have been known to prey on other native frog species. I don’t hold that against them though. The frogs didn’t ask to be here.

What I found appealing about this tree frog image is how the leaves of the plant formed a golden tunnel which leads my eyes directly to the frog.

I should note that the camera I used to capture this image, a Canon PowerShot S50, was a basic point-and-shoot camera. It wasn’t anything fancy, and it didn’t have much of a zoom, as I recall, yet I could still create wonderful images with it.

This photo was taken in September of 2004, over nineteen years ago. Would you have known that if I hadn’t mentioned it?

Older photos taken with ancient gear still have merit, beauty, and interest.

Being a photographer is about having a creative eye. The camera I have in my hands is a tool. No matter what brand it is, or what it’s capabilities are, it is still just a tool.

Nineteen years ago I went photographing to enjoy nature, to have fun, and to relax. I’m still doing that.

Yeah, life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my reptile and amphibian photos.