How do you guys do it?

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docszoo

New member
What are some of the basic techniques for reptilian photography? Some of the pictures you guys make are just........ I cant even start to say how great. I have tried, but don't do such a great job :( I would be greatly appreciative if you guys gave me some hints or anything on photography :D
 
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chuckpowell

New member
I think I can outline a few rules that will help you take good pictures
1) get close
2) maximum depth of field (long exposure, or bright light)
3) don't use harsh light, the best time to photograph without flash is on an overcast day
4) don't use flash unless you have to, or you have multiple flash, or something like a ring flash.
5) compose the picture so its something you like
6) take lots, and lots, and lots of pictures. Some are bound to turn out nice. Throw the rest away.

Try this and I think it'll help.

Best,

Chuck
 
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docszoo

New member
Thanks guys. Here is yeaserdays picture

Original

regularleona5ni.jpg


Edited

evilleona2ns.jpg


See, not that great. Should I take leos outside to photogaph them?
 
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Mack2

New member
First of all your edit is way too dark. You had decent light in the original. What do you use to edit your photos? Also try getting a little closer, and the diagonal shot doesn’t work for this photo. What camera are you using?

Second your focus is off, the tail is in focus but you’re going to want the head in focus. Make sure that you hold you’re camera really still, that will help sharpen your images up. This is the difference between a little camera shake and a really solid hold. Makes a big difference hope I could help.

IMG_3668.jpg



IMG_3669.jpg


Also try to get a solid background
 
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docszoo

New member
Well, I thought dark would looks cool :? That is one of my first pictures of my leos ever. I use digital HP to edit photos. How do you make it less fuzzy? The pics you provided were awsome.

Ohh, I am using a Olympus dgital camera C-2100 with a 2.1 megapixel. I realy don't know how to use it very good :( I will look at the manual. Is there such thing as a mini tripod? Do you use a tripod?
 
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chuckpowell

New member
One other thing that will help. Focus on the eyes and let the rest go out of focus if you don't have enough depth of field. If you look at pictures you like I'd bet they all have the eyes in focus.

Best,

Chuck
 
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Mack2

New member
The dark would look neat, but you should start on a black background and then darken it up if you want. Personally I think the less manipulation to a photo the better.

Yes there is such thing as a mini tripod, but the way I look at it is if I can’t stay steady enough to get a good shot without a tripod than I don’t think the animal will be still enough. Just get a few good bright lights on and hold the camera as still as possible. And as Chuck said shoot shoot shoot.
 
Hazpat

Hazpat

New member
I dont have or want a tripod, whenever possible I just rest my elbows or hands on something
 
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docszoo

New member
Thanks for helping! :D Now, What type of backgrounds would you guys suggest? Like, paper, constuction paper? What? :?: Thanks again
 
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weswright

New member
chuckpowell said:
3) don't use harsh light, the best time to photograph without flash is on an overcast day
4) don't use flash unless you have to, or you have multiple flash, or something like a ring flash.
k
Click to expand...

Chuck I cant agree with you on these two.

One I have found that when your shooting on a over cast day that you will either have stop down the exposure or really bump up the ISO. Either can kill you photo.

Two using a flash for herp photog is great, you just need to know how to use it. ie. bounce...

When doing some of mine I will set up multipule lights and use a flash. Its all about experimenting. Again shoot, shoot, shoot. I can go through 2 512mb cards and get only a handful of photo's I like, god I love digital.
 
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docszoo

New member
Ok, here are some tries. I TRIED :lol:

p2020019a3dz.jpg


p20200528bf.jpg


p20200587sg.jpg


p2010001a3sq.jpg


Remeber: I tried, there some of my first shots :) And I took 54 shots :roll:
 
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Mack2

New member
musashi said:
Chuck I cant agree with you on these two.

One I have found that when your shooting on a over cast day that you will either have stop down the exposure or really bump up the ISO. Either can kill you photo.

Two using a flash for herp photog is great, you just need to know how to use it. ie. bounce...

When doing some of mine I will set up multipule lights and use a flash. Its all about experimenting. Again shoot, shoot, shoot. I can go through 2 512mb cards and get only a handful of photo's I like, god I love digital.
Click to expand...

I agree even the use of computer paper to diffuse the flash can make a world of difference, if your using a fixed flash, other wise bouncing is a great way to diffuse the harshness of the flash.

Doczoo, those photos are much better, but you still need to work on the focus. You had some very interesting angles as well. Try to get a little tighter if possible, and work on selectively focusing on the head/eyes. Good luck, and keep posting your photos.
 
Hazpat

Hazpat

New member
I agree with everything mack2 said. love the angle on the third shot especialy.

most cameras ways to change the settings on the flash, it along with bounce can make a huge difference
 
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Mack2

New member
It’s pretty difficult to do with an onboard flash. It’s generally used with a top mount flash with a bounce head, which means the the head can be moved up and down to change the angle of coverage.
 
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docszoo

New member
Thanks for all these hints. Umm, how do I focus more on the head and eyes? :x I mean, I try to stop shaking, or put my elbows on something like the ground, but as you saw, the head is still blurry. The next picture I will be taking is a leopard gecko on a fossilied crocodile skull outside. :)
 
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