Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What is the best kind of lighting to use for taking pics of my bearded dragons? I've tried shooting with a flash (washed out) and using just cage lighting (normal incandescent w/ reptisun flourescent, and a powersun mvb bulb. None of them seem to give me the colors that are actually there.

A single incandescent bulb in some sort of fixture that will allow you to get directional light. Flourescent lighting is horrible for photos. And the MVB bulbs do something weird in photos too.
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0.9.0 Ball Pythons
0.1.1 Leopard Geckos
0.0.1 Egyptian Tortoise
0.0.1 Bearded Dragons

Hi
natural sunlicht is the best.
bathing them first and then walk in the direct sunlicht .

byeeee
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www.dragoncave.nl

Ok, thanks guys! I think I'll try taking them outside and using natural sunlight.

Capturing the best colors of your bearded dragon depends on a few issues, not just lighting, though lighting does play an important role. Quality of camera and all that plays a part.

Anyway, know your camera inside and out is a first good step. Read that manual that came with it. It will tell you all the capabilities of your camera, including best focal length, if it has settings for low light etc.

Sunlight is good but it can also be blinding and cause harsh shadows etc. Learn if your camera has a fill flash...so harsh shadows etc, are removed. Slightly diffused sunlight would be better than direct overhead sunlight, maybe near dusk or dawn, were the sun isn't as harsh, but again, watch the shadows.

I am no where near an expert on taking pictures...I consider myself good if the snake or lizard I am trying to take a picture of stays still long enough....and the batteries don't die just when I want to take that 'perfect' 'cute' or just plain cool picture.

Light from all around works best, to prevent harsh shadows. But not too bright that it will wash out all the color. A light overcast is probably the best time to take pictures, shadows are softer but there is still enough natural light to get good pictures.
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PHLdyPayne

>>
>>Light from all around works best, to prevent harsh shadows. But not too bright that it will wash out all the color. A light overcast is probably the best time to take pictures, shadows are softer but there is still enough natural light to get good pictures.
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>>PHLdyPayne

All right, I think maybe he needs to clarify just what kind of photos he's trying to take. If he only wants to show the dragon, for example if he's trying to sell one, "all around" light might be ok. But, if he's trying to make "artistic" type photos, directional light WITH shadows is much much better. I'm not an expert on beardie portraits, but I did go to art school and have fiddled with a camera a bit. Oh, and I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night.
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0.9.0 Ball Pythons
0.1.1 Leopard Geckos
0.0.1 Egyptian Tortoise
0.0.1 Bearded Dragons