Photographing a Pro Poser in Costa Rica's Humid Rainforests. Wildlife photograph by Jan-Tore Oevrevik, finalist in the Shoot The Frame Wildlife photography award, February 2023

Finalist Wildlife · February 2023

Photographing a Pro Poser in Costa Rica's Humid Rainforests

In the humid rainforests of Costa Rica, the red-eyed tree frog reigns as one of the most beloved creatures. Its vibrant colors and striking appearance have captivated both locals and visitors alike, making it a true symbol of the country's rich biodiversity. During my photography trip to Costa Rica, I was fortunate enough to encounter one of these beautiful creatures. I found it perched on a flower, as if it were the king of the world. I quickly switched to my macro lens, and the frog remained still, giving me the perfect opportunity to capture some amazing shots. As I started snapping pictures, the frog grew curious about my camera and suddenly, it jumped six feet and landed on top of my lens. I was surprised and jumped up, but the frog held on tightly. I carefully tried to brush the frog off my lens and back onto the beautiful Red Heliconia flower, but it took a moment before the frog finally let go and returned to its natural habitat. It was an incredible experience, both to find the red-eyed tree frog and to witness it posing like a pro on such a vivid flower. The encounter left me with a deep appreciation for the beauty of Costa Rica's rainforests and the incredible creatures that inhabit them.