A Frog's-Eye View from Below

Most people only ever see a frog sitting on the bank. This photo is taken from below the surface, showing a water frog mid-stroke, its back legs stretched out behind it.

The original frog kick

A frog swims with its back legs, pushing them out and back together in a powerful kick, then drawing them in again. The webbing between the toes spreads wide on the push and folds on the recovery, working like a paddle. It's the same stroke swimmers call breaststroke kick.

Built to sit just below the surface

A frog's eyes and nostrils sit high on the top of its head. That lets it float almost completely submerged while still breathing and watching above the waterline, and lets it sink out of sight in an instant.

Photographing underwater

Underwater shots of frogs usually mean a waterproof housing, shallow clear water, and a lot of patience. Here the surface is visible at the top of the frame, a reminder of how close to the air the frog is even when swimming.