I remember seeing a list of things to do or try with a new camera posted somewhere but I can't seem to find it now. Can anyone help me out with some ideas.

First of all, for subjects, just find something from around the house that is about the same size and reflectivity as a herp.

Here are some things to try -
1. Test the limits of your lenses (how close can you get, etc.) This is good to know in advance because it will make field shots easier to set up.

2. Learn to use your camera. Read all the stuff in the book and play with it. For example, maybe you haven't ever thought about using Rear-curtain sync, or slow-sync flash. Play with these settings and see what opportunities they open up.

3. Try experimenting with depth of field. I find many herp photographers simply stop their lenses all the way down to f/22 or f/32 and shoot there without thinking. In reality, you can plenty of depth of field at settings like f/13 or f/16 and get sharper shots out of your lenses and have more lighting options.
Shoot a series of shots at different f/stops and determine how much DOF is enough.

4. Look at a lot of herp photos. For each one, try to verbalize what you like and dislike about it. Try to figure out how it was done, and then plan/practice emulating the things you liked and getting rid of the things you didn't. Practice different compositions, etc.

5. Practice making realistic studio setups. Even if you mostly take field shots, choosing the right background and place to shoot makes a big difference in the appeal of the shot. How do you determine what will look good? Practice. I actually have one of this little rubber poison dart frogs that I pose in setups to see generally how it will look.

6. Go to the zoo if there is one nearby and practice using your camera. Try to determine what each and every setting on your camera does and think about how you might use this to improve your herp photography palette.

7. Try altering the lighting using diffusers and reflectors. You can make diffusers and reflectors out of common household items and really improve the quality of lighting in your shots.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

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