From a frog to a crocodile compared to a boat to a nail, from a frog to a crocodile, here are 10 tips that I remind myself that I take pictures of the herpes.
Hurds (reptiles and amphibians) demonstrate incredible variety. Because of this, herp photography takes creativity and a broad range as a photographer. It leaves a lot of space for experiment. Here are ten tips which I have found it helpful in my Harp photography journey (taking pictures of reptiles and amphibians).
1. Ask yourself whether the details make the animal unique
Most of the attractions provoked by reptiles and amphibians are how different from other animals. Photography allows us to show these unique details. Most people do not have the opportunity to closely look at the frog’s skin or snake scales. These details that are generally ignored make great subjects for photography, as they give the audience a new approach.
A colorful ameta lizard scales.
2. Keep the eye in mind, but what else?
I like to ask myself: where is my eye drawn on the animal? Are these patterns, eyes, claws? Think about what makes this animal unique and what you want to show about the animal.
Having an eye in the focus helps the audience to connect with the animal, but plays with the focus to highlight other aspects of the animal. Also, remember your focused aircraft. You can focus on the animal’s eye and another location by adjusting the aperture or transferring yourself so that the points you want to focus are at the same distance from your camera. This is your focal plane. When it comes to focusing focusing, small movements make a difference, so slowly move forward and note how to change the focal points when you change.
Picture of a green tree frog.
3. Show aspects of habitat/housing
This is another part that makes these animals so interesting. Many herpes species occupy small bottom in their houses. Photography can serve as a tool for science communication showing the audience where these animals live. Creating a sense of place can help the audience connect with the animal. It is no longer a foreign -like creature, but something that lives in the world like them.
Small South Florida Sesame King Snakes are resting near a bullet cover.
4. Think about the background
Will the colors pop? Can you get more body or leaves in the background?
Black backgrounds are classic, but are there any other colors in the environment that make the subject a pop? The background can not only help your subject pop, but can also give more reference to your image. Different colors and size can direct the flow of image and add an artistic element that is fun to use.
Amazon Tree Boa hangs from a tree.
5. Play around with your light source
Transfer your light source (if possible) and notice the change in shade, glow and rainbow. The herpes has many different textures. This means that the lighting for an animal will not be the same for every animal. For example, you may need to spread the light more to catch a snake details because the way the light on the scales shines, compared to the scales of a crocodile, which are not shiny. Where your light is coming from and the amount of light on this subject can completely change an image.
Rainbow of a water paython.
6. Try to stay at the eye level with your subject, but don’t be afraid to walk
Photographers often talk about eye levels with your subject because it makes the audience feel that they are uniform size. This is a way to join the subject, similar to keeping the eye in mind. But do not be afraid by trying different angles based on the characteristics you want to show. A lot of hunds have beautiful patterns that can only appear with a top-down shot. I like to ask myself: What are the features that attract me to this animal? From there, I decide how I want to give myself a position to show those characteristics. And while I am taking photos, I try to roam on the subject. Even if I do not have a specific shot, it may think of my brain about new creations (this involves transferring the camera vertically).
Peep out of lace monitor bushes.
7. When safe, when safe
The closer you get closer to your subject, the more you notice. Sometimes these are details that you cannot even notice from a distance. But safety is always an idea when taking a picture of wildlife, so assess each situation. Realizing the dangers and risks, know your subject before facing it. Spend time with your subject. I think the more I just see the animal, the more creative I can take the photo.
Young American crocodiles under water.
8. Think about orientation
When preparing an image, you want to leave the place to breathe and move to your subject. They are not literally going into an image, but think that if your subject is moving then it will be in which direction it will be (which is usually ahead). Leaving a place in this direction makes the image breathable and not tight. I like to start by orienting the subject from inside and not close to the edges of the photo. Playing with framing is also something that you can do while editing.
Youth, Yellow-Narangi Amazon Tree Boa.
9. Finish/use negative space
When what to do with a negative place, ask yourself: “Does the negative location distract from the subject or add an interesting aspect to the image framing?” When it comes to a negative place, the “one size fits all fits” is not the rule, so using cropping features can be a good way to feel for your style.
Picture of green vine snake with black background.
10. Enjoy yourself
We are photographers because we love art and our subjects. It is easy to forget.
I often find myself taking disappointing photos because I am very focused on getting “the shot”, an image that I have created in my mind that cannot be achieved. When I feel going to slip in this disappointed situation, I try to remind myself why I put a picture of these animals. I do it as a way to connect and document my experiences with these animals.
