Reply by HireTablets — 2018-12-06 07:28:16 GMT

You have to acquire new gadgets now...

Reply by mingdurga — 2013-05-07 23:38:16 GMT

Thanks for the info. I'm gone. Was off for a few years and returned, but gone for good. mike

Reply by chrish — 2013-05-07 11:16:41 GMT

Anyone using Photobucket should read their terms of service carefully. When you upload a photo to Photobucket

1. you are giving it to them to use as they wish.
2. they can modify your photo with logos, ads, whatever

and Photobucket recognizes (and defends) the right of the public to take and use your photos for anything they want as well, except for commercial distribution. So if they want it for their non-commercial website, so be it.

A person who was running a website selling snakes stole a bunch of photos from off of photobucket to use to represent "his animals". When some of the photographers approached him about using their photos without permission, he was "less than polite" in response and told them (including me) that he could use the photo for whatever he wanted because it was on photobucket. And you know what? He was right.

I had another photo from photobucket appear in a publication with my copyright cut off and no credit given. I had no right to complain under the photobucket TOS.

Not an issue for some people, I know, but it is worth looking at carefully. Other photo hosting sites are better about protecting the rights of the photographer.

Photobucket Terms of Service

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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Reply by rwb — 2013-04-30 05:50:37 GMT

Oh yeah, I should probably give my email. rwboyer@gmail.com.

Cheers!

Reply by bast — 2012-04-30 00:30:06 GMT

The "victims" of moral bankruptcy posted another slanderous video. Mass Natural Heritage never boycotted any hearings. They have been gagged by the MA state legislature. Not sure how consumer confidence is down. The VP of WWLP purchased several Massachusetts politicians.

Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQmGDPv4f2E and vote it down and leave comments. Please help us protect our rare herps and other wildlife.

Thank you,
-----
Brian

"The Earth was not given to you by your parents. It is loaned to you by your children."

1.0 Argentine Tegu
1.0 Bearded Dragons
1.0 Jungle Carpet Python
1.1 California Kingsnakes
1.1 Children's Python
3.5 Russian Tortoises

Reply by chrish — 2012-02-10 18:47:42 GMT

The problem will be that each of those bulbs would leave a different color cast on the photo. That might make getting the color balance tricky.

Chris
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Reply by 1nstinct — 2012-01-31 18:34:36 GMT

Ok thank you, I bought a few of each and some different watts, my question is can I mix lights? Like use some 5000k bulbs with some 6500k bulbs without effecting the photos to badly?

Thanks for the help
Tom
-----
Ball Pythons
1.0 Poss. het albino (Angel)
0.1 Albino (Corona)
Morelia
0.1 Jungle Carpet Python (Sage)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python (Unknown)
Corns
0.1 Snow (Roxy)
Bearded Dragons
0.1 Blood X Red/Citrus (Coral)
Terrapins
1.0 Diamond Back Terrapin (Crush)

Reply by chrish — 2012-01-23 18:14:56 GMT

I would find compact fluorescent bulbs that have a color temperature near that of daylight (not necessarily "daylight" bulbs). You want a bulb with a color temperature of somewhere between 5,000 and 6,000 K. These numbers are usually on the back of the bulb's packaging somewhere.

Compact fluorescents are better than other bulbs because you get a lot of light without a lot of heat (which is a problem with herps).

Also, make sure your boxes are pure white, not some off white color which would affect the visible color.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Reply by RobertK — 2011-06-29 15:07:03 GMT

never mind it worked !!
Link

Reply by RobertK — 2011-06-29 15:04:57 GMT

sorry not sure how to post a link !!

so if some could do , that i would be very appreciative

Rob Kempton Nature photography , smug-mug
Link

Reply by photostudio — 2011-06-13 10:00:55 GMT

Looking for photo tents then you can buy from here at very affordable prices http://www.photostudiosupplies.com/photo-tents.php

Photo Tent

Reply by chrish — 2011-04-18 21:35:17 GMT

The lighting looks fine on this photo, the problem is the color of the background. It distracts from the color of the snake.
I would suggest trying to find a black background for that snake.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Reply by rwb — 2013-04-30 05:46:49 GMT

Just go to any ol free website provider.

http://api.neq3.com/redir/2845741

This is what I use. You can upload probably 1000 GOOD quality images and link them where ever you want. *name*.neq3.com/blah/reptile.image

Really easy, try it out. You can also upload them online without the use of a FTP.

Reply by chrish — 2011-02-21 17:32:19 GMT

pbase probably has the best gallery customization options of any online site I have seen.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Reply by chrish — 2011-02-21 17:31:26 GMT

You can upload photos to the Kingsnake.com gallery of course.

I use Pbase because Pbase is one of the few sites that conserves the rights of the photographer.

If you upload a photo to Photobucket, for example, you are giving consent that anyone from anywhere can use that photo for anything they want. This means they can cut off your copyright line and use your photo in their ad, website, newspaper, etc.

While this isn't something most people worry about, I have had a very disreputable person steal my photos for their use on their website to sell their snakes. When I objected, they sent me a rather unpleasant email (which I can't quote here) letting me know that it was public domain and they didn't care that I didn't want my photo used like that.

So read the fine print and be aware of your rights to your photos.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Reply by jedge76 — 2011-03-09 02:40:57 GMT

I would save the $150 and go for the 430 EX. It will be more than powerful enough for most people. The extra power on the 580 is overkill in 99% of everyday situations. You could use that $150 you save and put it towards a stand and umbrella set-up so you can shoot off-camera more effectively--a much more necessary technique. That said, I have the 580 EX (the older version), which I find more than enough for my professional work. I have a BA in journalism w/ an emphasis in PJ (for what that's worth!)

As far as a book, I would suggest any lighting book that explains the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and lighting ratios as well as flash angles, bounce flash, etc. It's not that hard to learn, but very much worth it. Here's a website that should help you a lot. Give it a good look and try a couple of the things taught in there.

http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/

Hope this helps! Just keep experimenting!

Reply by zeroto4legs — 2011-02-15 01:42:17 GMT

Thank you so much was reading reviews on the 580 and from what you and the reviews said I'm def. going to go for the 580.
thanks for the book ideas def. going to be the next book i get soon as I'm done reading the digital Photography book im reading now.
Thanks again
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Zero to 4 legs
1.0 Ball Python(Het Albino)-Angel
1.0 Diamond Back Terrapin-Crush
1.0 Pit Bull-Hemi
1.0 DSH-Carter

Reply by chrish — 2011-02-14 23:11:36 GMT

My question is for the canon speed light 430ex($310) vs the canon speed light 580ex($475). Is there a huge difference between the two that it would be worth it to save up the extra $150 or is there some minor differences that i will probably not use.

The 580 has a few more features that you should check out on Canon's website. The 580 is 35% more powerful than the 430 so it will work from longer distances. Does that matter for herps? Not if you only shoot macro, but if you shoot longer shots having a powerful flash is helpful.

Is there any good books or websites that are really good for reptile photography. i been search for reptile photography books and cant seem to find any. Anyone know of any good ones?

There is a book on photographing reptiles and amphibians, but frankly it isn't very good. Get a good book on macro photography or insect photography and learn the principles from that.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Reply by jedge76 — 2011-03-09 02:47:03 GMT

I would also say that you can always look to buy used gear...camera bodies depreciate in value rather quickly and become great values. As usual, quality will typically come at a price. I included a Canon forum link at the bottom with a "marketplace" section that is very reliable (forget Ebay! lol). I have bought a lot of gear over the last 6 years from people selling stuff and saved a ton of money in the process. Plus, you can research and ask questions from some very knowledgeable people at the same set of forums:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=14

Hope this helps!

Reply by chrish — 2011-01-26 18:12:02 GMT

The problem with trying to get answers to this question (and it is a popular question on here!) is that almost every person who answers you will only have experience with 1 or 2 cameras so they won't be able to tell you anything useful other than "I have a Canon/Nikon/Pentax/Sony model XXXXX and it is awesome" or "I used to have a model XXXX and it sucked". There might be ten other cameras which would suit you better!

You should really do a little more research into what features you want/need in a camera, then go to a camera comparison site like Dpreview dot com and look at their reviews and Buyer's Guides/comparison charts (which include prices).
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Reply by zach_whitman — 2011-01-30 04:07:43 GMT

Thanks

I will try that. I am a GIMP noob, so we'll see how it goes.

Reply by chrish — 2011-01-26 15:10:07 GMT

Open the photos in an image editor (like photoshop or the GIMP) and adjust the black point. Black backgrounds are tough though. A big part of it is the texture of the background itself. If it is too reflective, it can ruin the shot.

This leucistic retic was placed on a piece of black cloth. I did have to adjust the exposure and black point. You can still see the background material, but it isn't distracting.

Wrinkes in the cloth will show up lighter, so you need to make sure it is smooth -

This Rubber Boa's background shows some reflections, but they aren't too distracting. I tried to dodge a few of the brighter spots in Photoshop -

For arboreal animals, it is easier to just put them on a branch a few feet in front of some black cloth. As long as it isn't reflective, you can get a nice black background. (I wish this one wasn't so sidelit)

Here the snake is hanging from a limb being held by a guy with a black T-Shirt on -

Chris
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Reply by HeavenHell — 2011-03-04 20:07:38 GMT

Hi I have a Tamron 90mm macro lens for my T2i. I like it a lot. It's quite affordable at around $400 after rebate. I'm a self taught amateur, but I'm happy with my photos.

Here's a few shots I've taken with it:

Reply by Jonathan_Brady — 2011-01-10 21:53:58 GMT

You're welcome! Glad you found the info useful!

Grab one or the other of these:
www.stofen.com - Omni-Bounce OM-EW
http://www.garyfongestore.com/lightsphere-collapsible-370.html

Also, if/when you decide to shoot RAW photos instead of JPG (I highly recommend it), you may want to invest in one of these as well:
http://mtapesdesign.com/whibal/

The "pocket kit" is all you'll need. Your camera came with the software to process RAW photos and use the whibal card. If you need help with it, let me know and I can make a video that explains it all for you.

Good luck!
jb

>>Thank you so much for all the amazing info, i have been having my friend who's in photography classes showing me all the different things i can do with these lens i have and i did not expect these lens to be as good as they were like you said. as for the external flash its funny because i was just looking at the one you said you have am i am thinking of probably ordering it tonight..
>>thank you so much for your help
>>-----
>>Zero to 4 legs
>> 1.0 Black Rough Neck Monitor
>>1.1 Bearded Dargon
>>1.0 Ball Python
>>1.0 dog(black lab)
>>R.I.P. Bailey gone but still in my heart
-----
What's written above is purely my opinion. In fact, MOST of what you read on the internet is someone's opinion. Don't take it too seriously

Jonathan Brady
DeviantConstrictors.com Site received a complete makeover! Check it out!

Reply by zeroto4legs — 2011-01-10 19:29:46 GMT

Thank you so much for all the amazing info, i have been having my friend who's in photography classes showing me all the different things i can do with these lens i have and i did not expect these lens to be as good as they were like you said. as for the external flash its funny because i was just looking at the one you said you have am i am thinking of probably ordering it tonight..
thank you so much for your help
-----
Zero to 4 legs
1.0 Black Rough Neck Monitor
1.1 Bearded Dargon
1.0 Ball Python
1.0 dog(black lab)
R.I.P. Bailey gone but still in my heart

Reply by Jonathan_Brady — 2011-01-10 06:26:00 GMT

What you have now will serve you very well (I have the same two lenses). I would say that the only real improvements you could make would be:
1) Sell your kit 18-55 lens for as much as you can get for it (likely only $100-150) and put that money plus the $800 towards the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM lens. There's really no difference in focal length but the quality of the 17-55 is superior to the 18-55, as is the aperture.
2) Buy the 60mm macro lens (I have this as well as the two kit lenses) as well as an external flash like the 430EXII (the model I have) or 580EXII. The external flash will open up a whole new world of photography for you.
3) Put that money towards a VERY professional photo studio for your herps. Something that utilizes moss, vines, a naturalistic background, some logs, etc. Also pick up some umbrellas for maximum illumination.
4) Use the money to educate yourself. Take a photography course or some photography workshops.

It is my opinion (and I think pretty much every serious photographer would agree - I'm not a serious photographer by the way) that the person holding the camera is the most important variable. Then, the lens. Then, the camera. You can have great equipment and if you don't know how to use it, it's worthless. Conversely, an excellent photographer can take very good pictures with practically any normally functioning camera.

As I mentioned, the two kit lenses you have are VERY good. You may not need to diversify your lenses any further at this point.

Hope this helped and congrats on the ROCKIN Christmas gift!
jb

>>Hey everyone I purchased a canon t2i as a Christmas gift to my self, i bought the kit version that came with the 18-55mm lens and also was able to get he bundle with the 55-250 mm lens.
>> My question is i was wondering what some good lens that people use, that would be good lens to get some nice shots of reptiles, some close ups.
>>price doesn't really matter too much since it is winter and i have a few months to save up before summer comes and the reptiles come out, just not looking to spend more than $800.
>>
>>and any other accessories you guys(or girls) would request i get.
>>
>>thanks for your help
-----
What's written above is purely my opinion. In fact, MOST of what you read on the internet is someone's opinion. Don't take it too seriously

Jonathan Brady
DeviantConstrictors.com Site received a complete makeover! Check it out!

Reply by sandboaken — 2010-12-26 03:25:54 GMT

Brand doesnt matter to me. As far as a budget, I am looking for something in the entry level range. I cant see spending 300 or more for a camera that to be honest wont be getting much use. I do currently own a nikon CoolPix s4 camera

Reply by jeffb — 2010-12-26 02:53:04 GMT

Tell me your budget and whether you have a brand preference? Do you currently own any "real" camera equipment ? i.e. an old film 35mm?

Reply by shadowguy — 2010-11-08 06:27:50 GMT

That grass is nasty But please avoid say... black velvet! A weathered silver log or other warmer colored natural substance would be of benefit perhaps. Please read my thoughts below on eyes bein in focus! Back away from the animal slightly, remembering your lens has a minimum focusing range! Try taking some "bracket" shots, which is to say take a picture as the computer suggests, then switch to manual and take a picture at one or more f-stops less and some at one or mor f-stops more. You can generally shoot at less than full f-stops as well. In doing this you'll run the gamut of possibilities and hopefully get a primo picture out of the bunch! Another thing to consider is a screw-on polorizing filter... this will substantially improve your color saturation which is to say the camera will "see" the animal more like you see it! Diffused flash can be effective but one always runs the risk of washing out the "highest" areas of the body, say the ridges of the spine. Practice!

Reply by chrish — 2010-10-21 23:16:27 GMT

Changing the lighting will help. A diffuse flash can help or if you prefer you can use daylight colored bulbs with some sort of diffuser (white cloth) over them. Compact fluorescents are great because they don't give off as much heat. Having one on each side of the snake will help eliminate shadows and give you even lighting.

You should try shooting those against a black background instead of on that grass. It helps bring out colors consistently.

Also, learning how to process the images on your computer (with Photoshop or the GIMP, or some similar program) can make a big difference.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Reply by FireStorm — 2010-10-07 18:48:19 GMT

That is a great pic!

Reply by Z_G_Reptiles — 2010-08-16 16:25:18 GMT

Great pic, I love how most gecko eyes are
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Zack Greens Reptiles