What's the best way to take photos of your leos?

[BioWorkZ]

I tried to take pictures of some of the leos I got from Albey, but they're too busy running around. Now I understand why so many people on GF have such a hard time taking decent photos. Any suggestions?

 

[StatikStepz]

give them a tranq.... or a xanax... lol JK!!!

 

[StatikStepz]

Ritilin! lol...

Ok, yeah, it's crazy late, and i need sleep... but to actually answer the question, i dunno... i have the same problem alot myself... just wait for them to stop moving for a second... sooner or later, they'll stop moving if even for a second

 

[JordanAng420]

Where's Rebecca? I think her screename is Chewbecca? She takes some unbelievable pictures of her geckos. If I were you, i'd ask her...if she doesn't post here first.

 

[Necromantica]

Use a background color which lets your geckos color stand out a bit better, with this good lighting, and the macro function of a good camera you can get every detail of a gecko. My geckos don't like pictures either I take them out in a safe area as to where if they run they do not get far, give them a few minutes to explore and relax, then just take some pictures once they realize nothing weird is going on. Good lighting will prevent you from needing to use flash, which is good when trying to refrain from startling your geckos. As weird as this sounds when its night, or really dark in the house I find the batheroom and kitchen are the best two places for good lighting.

 

[rihodul]

Great info! Really informative. It is helpful for me.

 

[MXWreptile]

Buy a phototent and good lightning.


Max

 

[Northstar Herp]

I put mine in the freezer for a few minutes, and then they hold still just fine...

 

[Northstar Herp]

Just kidding, before anybody hunts me down and beats me.

 

[acpart]

Next week's Gecko Time article will be about photographing your gecko and editing the result

Aliza

 

[Chewbecca]

For me, I use a clear sterilite tub and I buy white and black poster board.
I place the sterilite container long ways on its side.
I bow (not bend to avoid creasing the posterboard) the posterboard inside the box.

With my gear, I do not need to use any type of ambient light. I use my external flash which works fine.

But for those that do not have an external flash, I will post up pics of what a light box set up looks like.
I used this before realizing my SB600 flash unit worked fine without the clip lamps.
You can buy clip lamps at Menard's or Lowe's and put Daylight bulbs in the clip lamps. I'd recommend at least 2 lights, if not 3.

Here's what it looked like before I realized I could use my external flash:

Here's some shots of Joplin with this set up:

I probably wouldn't recommend doing this for any albino geckos because the lamps can be really bright on them.
And my bell albino absolutely freaked out when I tried putting him in it. He ran and ran and ran and hid.

 

[Chewbecca]

And, yes, post processing (contrary to a lot of people's belief or desire) is absolutely necessary.

And I don't mean post processing to change the color of your gecko or make them look "fake".
I mean, there will most likely need to be some white balance adjustments (due to the temps of the bulbs used, they will change the color of the photo), and sharpening and contrast adjustments will need to be made.

 

[VitalTears]

+1 chewbecca

 

[robin]

right on becca!

 

[Chewbecca]

Thanks, ladies!!

Robin-
See how fatty Joplin used to be?

 

[BioWorkZ]

My biggest issue is having the gecko stay still. They're either too curious or terrified (usually terrified, especially with flash) to stay still. Love the set up you have Chewbecca.

 

[robin]

Thanks, ladies!!

Robin-
See how fatty Joplin used to be?

she still looks great! be patient

 

[Kristi23]

My biggest issue is having the gecko stay still. They're either too curious or terrified (usually terrified, especially with flash) to stay still. Love the set up you have Chewbecca.

I snap a lot of pictures as quick as I can. I also do them during the day because they're usually tired and it takes them a few minutes to wake up and start running around. It takes a lot of time and patience.

 

[robin]

My biggest issue is having the gecko stay still. They're either too curious or terrified (usually terrified, especially with flash) to stay still. Love the set up you have Chewbecca.

patience has a lot to do with it.

i used to take a deli cup (like the ones they come in when they are shipped to you.) and put it over them and wait for them to chill out. slowly pull the cup off and be ready to start snapping photos. it looks like becca uses props (hide log etc) to keep them a bit busier, so they just don't go nuts and run. i think though most of it is just patience

 

[BioWorkZ]

Cool, I'll give all the suggestions a try. Thanks for your help everyone. Can't wait to show off some of my Albey purchases. They look more and more beautiful everyday, that's why I felt compel to share pictures of them.