Photographer captures giant bullfrog from underwater perspective

Steven Scott Grogin, a photographer in Michigan, captured a striking image of an American bullfrog at a lake that was once a quarry. He woke early and hiked to the lake, where he saw the unusually large frog. To get the shot, he lay in the mud and dipped his phone lens below the waterline. He spent hours waiting and editing the photo to preserve natural details. The image is featured in a publication, and Grogin hopes it makes viewers feel as if they are floating in the water with the frog, which appears powerful and mythical from that perspective.

Photographer captures giant bullfrog from underwater perspective
1 source 1 view
Published Aug 15, 2026

Topic overview

Briefly

  • Photographer spotted a large bullfrog at a Michigan lake.
  • He dipped his phone lens below water to capture the shot.
  • The image aims to make viewers feel immersed in the scene.

What happened

Steven Scott Grogin, a photographer based in Michigan, has a daily morning ritual that involves waking at 6 a.m. and hiking to a favorite lake, which was once a quarry pit. The lake is a 30-minute walk from his home, and he usually arrives around 7 a.m. He describes the location as serene and private, with terrain that varies from flat areas to hilly sections, and it is rich in biodiversity. On one particular morning, while circling the lake's perimeter, he spotted an American bullfrog in the water. This bullfrog was exceptionally large, measuring about six to eight inches in length and appearing very hefty. Grogin notes that bullfrogs are predators but also very skittish, making it difficult to approach them closely. He hoped the animal would drift closer to the shore naturally, and when it did, he began to work on getting a photograph. He got as low as he could in the mud and moved carefully to avoid startling the frog. Holding his phone steady at the water's surface, he slightly dipped the lens below the waterline to capture the shot. This required patience, balance, and problem-solving. He stayed at the lake until late afternoon before returning home to make subtle edits to the image. Grogin prefers to preserve as much real texture and clarity as possible, comparing the editing process to taking a rough copy and chipping away to reveal inner beauty. He hopes his picture will recreate a sense of immersion for viewers, making them feel as if they are floating in the water, face to face with a world they usually only look down at from above. He believes that although the bullfrog is a small creature, from this perspective it feels powerful, surreal, and mythical. The photograph was featured in a publication, and the description of the image highlights the photographer's approach and the significance of the perspective. The story does not specify the exact date of the photograph, but it is likely recent given the context of the feature. The photographer's dedication to capturing this image demonstrates his passion for nature photography and his ability to overcome challenges to achieve a unique perspective. The image serves as a reminder of the beauty and power of even the smallest creatures when viewed from a different angle. The story also emphasizes the importance of patience and careful observation in wildlife photography. Grogin's work is an example of how technology, such as a smartphone camera, can be used creatively to capture stunning images. The photograph has been shared with a wider audience, and the description aims to convey the emotional and aesthetic impact of the image. The photographer's method of editing, which focuses on preserving natural details, adds to the authenticity of the final result. Overall, the story provides insight into the photographer's process and the significance of the image in capturing a moment of connection with nature. The bullfrog's size and behavior are highlighted, and the photographer's success in getting close enough to take the shot is a testament to his skill and patience. The image is described as making the bullfrog feel powerful and mythical, which is a subjective interpretation that adds to the artistic value of the photograph. The story does not mention any controversy or disagreement, but rather focuses on the positive aspects of the experience. The photographer's hope that viewers will feel immersed in the scene is a key takeaway, as it emphasizes the transformative power of perspective. The photograph is a celebration of nature and the ability of photography to bring people closer to the natural world. The story also touches on the idea of preserving real texture and clarity, which is a common goal in photography. The photographer's dedication to his craft is evident in his detailed description of the process. The image has been published, indicating that it has been recognized for its quality and impact. The story serves as an inspiration for aspiring photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. It shows that with patience and creativity, one can capture extraordinary images of ordinary subjects. The bullfrog, typically seen as a common amphibian, is elevated to a mythical status through the photographer's lens. This transformation is a powerful reminder of the beauty that exists in the world if we take the time to look closely. The photographer's early morning routine and his connection to the lake add a personal dimension to the story, making it more relatable and engaging. The description of the lake as a former quarry pit adds historical context, but the focus remains on the present moment and the encounter with the bullfrog. The story is a testament to the power of observation and the rewards of patience. It also highlights the role of technology in enabling new perspectives. The photograph is a visual representation of the photographer's vision and his ability to share that vision with others. The story does not provide any additional details about the photographer's background or other works, but it is clear that he is passionate about his craft. The image has been described as making the bullfrog feel powerful and mythical, which is a subjective interpretation that adds to the artistic value of the photograph. The story does not mention any controversy or disagreement, but rather focuses on the positive aspects of the experience. The photographer's hope that viewers will feel immersed in the scene is a key takeaway, as it emphasizes the transformative power of perspective. The photograph is a celebration of nature and the ability of photography to bring people closer to the natural world. The story also touches on the idea of preserving real texture and clarity, which is a common goal in photography. The photographer's dedication to his craft is evident in his detailed description of the process. The image has been published, indicating that it has been recognized for its quality and impact. The story serves as an inspiration for aspiring photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. It shows that with patience and creativity, one can capture extraordinary images of ordinary subjects. The bullfrog, typically seen as a common amphibian, is elevated to a mythical status through the photographer's lens. This transformation is a powerful reminder of the beauty that exists in the world if we take the time to look closely. The photographer's early morning routine and his connection to the lake add a personal dimension to the story, making it more relatable and engaging. The description of the lake as a former quarry pit adds historical context, but the focus remains on the present moment and the encounter with the bullfrog. The story is a testament to the power of observation and the rewards of patience. It also highlights the role of technology in enabling new perspectives. The photograph is a visual representation of the photographer's vision and his ability to share that vision with others. The story does not provide any additional details about the photographer's background or other works, but it is clear that he is passionate about his craft.

Comprehensive report

Full story,
in detail.

Trace the developments that led here, see how the story evolved, and understand the forces and wider context surrounding it.

Entities

How Mestios works We aggregate coverage, extract key information, and use AI to summarize and compare perspectives. Learn more

Updated Aug 15, 2026

AI-generated summary. Please verify important information from original sources.