Reptiles are often underrated. People assume that they don’t have much to offer, and just lazily lurk about in their corner. But that’s not true, and Yan Hidayat from Indonesia has set out to prove it, one photo at a time. While dogs are chill, and cats are even more chill, reptiles could be considered the most chill due to their cold-blooded nature. In some sense, reptiles are the definition of cool. And thanks to that, they know how to really enjoy the warmth of the sun, and today’s post will prove it to you. You see, Yan Hidayat loves to document the lives of reptiles, insects and other cool animals, especially from up close, and because of this, he’s known to have captured quite a few memorable shots of them. One of which is this photo of a lizard chilling in the sun which is taking the internet by storm and, as it’s being shared by thousands of netizens, it could be considered viral.

More info: Instagram

This photo of a lizard basking in the sun took internet by surprise

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Yan has given Bored Panda an exclusive interview about his passion for macro photography “I’ve been in the photography world for a long time. I’ve been in it for about 12 years now.”

The photographer also shared why he likes it so much “I like macro photos because insects and reptiles are very unique and interesting to capture through photos.” After he snaps the shots he needs, he admits that “there’s a feeling of satisfaction in my heart when we get the moment I want.”

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Yan also explained more about the hero of today’s story, which he simply described as a forest lizard, which more accurately might be the Sulawesi Bloodsucker (scary name, I know), and the context of this viral photo. “I have had this lizard since I was little; it is no longer wild and has often been the subject of my photos. It practically lives inside my house, but I always take it outside to enjoy the sun. I took advantage of the fact that it was relaxed in the sun, and surprisingly, I managed to capture that.”

Indonesian photographer Yan Hidayat loves “macro and reptile photos because they’re very original”

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

But according to Mr. Hidayat, it’s no mere lizard, and the fact that they live together suggests that. Yan called him Dragon, which is deemed a very inspiring and honorable name in the lizard family. The photographer also assured people that the lizard at this moment “is healthy.”

Yan’s photos are often loved by the press, like this photo of a frog taking a ride with the turtle

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Yan Hidayat also said what got him into the world of macro photography. Besides his love for reptiles and insects, macro photography also interests him in the sense that it “really tests patience.” But what makes a great macro photo? Spoilers, it’s not the gear. The photographer revealed that the key to taking a great macro shot is “patience in chasing the moment,” which is very wise, succinct, and poetic advice.

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

He shows that animals love taking free rides whenever an opportunity arises

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

“Slow ride, take it easy”

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

This frog using a leaf as an umbrella also caught the eye of many

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

…Or these reptiles making expressions

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Yan also likes to document close encounters with the other kind

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

But he’s no stranger to solo shots, too

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

Image credits: yan_hidayat_567

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