Story behind the Lens

While the larger wildlife of Guam often commands attention, the most vibrant colors on the island are frequently found just above the forest floor. I encountered this Pacific Blue-tailed Skink amidst the shaded foliage while trekking down the limestone cliffs toward Pagat Cave, where its electric blue tail acted as a brilliant neon sign against the deep greens of the jungle. These lizards are master navigators of the tropical canopy, and catching one in a moment of stillness—before it darts away with incredible agility—is a true lesson in patience and timing.

Composition

This macro study emphasizes the "shimmering" quality of the skink's smooth, glossy scales. The composition captures the striking contrast between the lizard’s dark, golden-striped body and the vibrant blue of its tail—a color that naturally fades as these creatures age, marking this particular subject as a prime example of the species in its most brilliant stage. The sharp focus on its watchful, copper-toned eye brings a sense of intimate connection to a creature that is usually just a blur in the undergrowth.

Fine Art Quality

To ensure the "electric" blue and the fine golden pinstriping translate perfectly from the lens to your walls, I personally print each piece using the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100. This 12-ink system is essential for capturing the saturation of the Pacific's most vibrant colors.

• Artisan Textured (Palo Duro Etching 315): Adds a museum-quality depth to the organic textures of the surrounding leaves and the skink's sleek scales.
• Vibrant Metallic (Polar Luster Metallic 255): My top recommendation for this shot. The metallic base makes the blue tail truly "glow," mimicking the actual shimmer of sunlight hitting the lizard in the wild.
• Standard Matte (Polar Matte 230): A smooth, high-contrast finish that keeps the focus on the sharp detail of the golden pinstriping and the skink’s attentive gaze. Starting at $45.00.

Available Sizes & Presentation

• Small (Nominal 12" x 8"): Printed on a 13" x 9" paper sheet with a 10.5" x 7" image area. Fits standard 16" x 12" frames using a 12.5" x 8.5" mat opening.
• Medium (Nominal 18" x 12"): Printed on a 20" x 14" paper sheet with a 18" x 12" image area (1-inch surround). Fits 24" x 18" frames using a custom 19.5" x 13.5" mat opening.
• Master Print (Nominal 20" x 15"): Printed on a 22" x 17" paper sheet with a 20" x 15" image area (1-inch surround). Fits 24" x 20" or custom frames using a 21.5" x 16.5" mat opening. Includes Free Domestic Shipping.
  

Handcrafted to Order

To guarantee museum-grade quality, every print is individually produced in my studio using archival pigment inks. Each piece is allowed to cure for a full 24 hours before being hand-signed, titled, and carefully packaged. Please allow 2–3 business days for production prior to shipping.

Artist’s Signature

Every print includes a border surround designed for ease of matting and safe handling. I hand-title each piece in the lower-left margin beneath the image and sign/date it in graphite on the lower-right—a classic gallery finish that marks it as an authentic TPegg Photography original.

• Bottom Left: Pacific Blue-Tailed Skink
• Bottom Right: TPegg | 14 July 2024

Artist’s Note

"In the jungles of Guam, you have to look closely to find the most intense colors. This Pacific Blue-tailed Skink was a reminder of the 'hidden' vibrancy of the island. Its tail is an incredible defense mechanism—meant to distract predators away from its body—but for a photographer, it’s a stunning focal point that represents the high-energy pulse of the Pacific forest. Sharing this 'electric' moment is my way of bringing the small, often-missed wonders of the island into the light."