Close up shots

[sclark]

Hi All,

Since Clay opened this section I have been trying to think of some info that might help and I remembered why i started shooting Snakes and other reptiles Now most have no idea my backround in photography. Well I am and have been a professional photographer for the past 10 years. I mainly shoot fashion related models, but I also shoot anything I like. Reptiles being one of them. Now out of all reptile photography I really love close ups. Larger then life shots of our cold blooded friends. I have only been shooting reptiles for about 2 years, but I love it. I was hired by a local snake guy named snakeman. He had over 300 snakes, and more types then I could count at a sitting. He hired me to shoot his venomous snakes. That was a real eye opening experience. I had very little experience with venomous snakes and to start off with a 8 foot black hooded cobra, then on to spitting cobras to all types of vipers. I did take a beating on this shoot since he paid me to own the images our right and sold most to a publishing company that prints alot of reptile books. But thats old news.
So now I just shoot my own snakes, and snakes that cross my path.
Like I mentioned above I love close up face shots of these guys. So I wanted to share 4 I have on my computer with you. They were all taken in the past 3 weeks. Nothing super special, just some snaps..
Enjoy
Steve

[sclark]

Re:Close up shots

Number 2

Steve

[sclark]

Re:Close up shots

#3
Steve

[sclark]

Re:Close up shots

and the last one..
Steve

[Fonzy]

Re:Close up shots

Awesome head shots Steve!! s36.gif s35.gif s36.gif Mind me asking what kind of camera you're using?? I'm getting ready to invest in a digital camera and would like one that is good quality and will last. Thanks for the pics and the help!

Jeff

[sclark]

Re:Close up shots

Hey Fonzy,

Thanks..

I used two different cameras here.. The digital ones were done with a Fuji FinePix S602. Its a good little digital. May be aboit over kill if you mostly want a camera for posting pic's on the net. it is a 6 mega pixal that produces up to 22 meg files. But if you can get this one, it really is a sweet little camera. it will run about $900 with a 256 meg memory card, battery charger and a E Film uploader. Just watch the guys on the net that like this camera for 400-500. I called them and they take all the extras away and try to sell them to you seperatly.

My main film cameras are the Nikon F100 and the Nikon F-5.. Both top of the line film cameras.. Worth their weight in gold. I do have another digital, but its a 15k studio digital setup. not fun to use..

Hope that helps..
Steve

[Fonzy]

Re:Close up shots

Thanks Steve,

I will check into that digi that you have and shop around for the best price as well as find a comparable camera. I appreciate your help!!

Jeff

[sclark]

Re:Close up shots

Hey Fonzy,

Something to consider if you look at other digital cameras, Get one with a Optical zoom and not one with a digital zoom. Optical zooms use many glass elements to bring the focus closer, like the way a microscope works. Digital zooms mainly take the image and crop it in. It loses pixals and info that will effect the final image and detail, as well as contrast level..

Hope that helps
Steve