![]() ![]() I used the basic Canon flash, with the extension cord (so the flash is not on the camera). White paper would be too bright and would reflect white up on the bottom of the snake. And, being gray, you can always do a color correction (gray balance) without needing a MacBeth color checker (but we have one shot with a MacBeth color checker anyway). We use grey because this is a neutral color. The seamless backdrop paper is courtesy of Savage Universal Corporation. We bring two lightstands (sometimes Lowel, usually Manfrotto) and a home-made plastic bar to hold the background material. We will review new ball head technology during 2012. We are in the process of acquiring newer ball heads as this technology has advanced now that so many new manufacturers have entered this market, such as Kirk. Sofia was using an aging Gitzo off-center ball-head. I use an aging Arca-Swiss Ballhead (over 25 years old). We had two photographers (Nicholas and Sofia) and one person doing video (Estuardo), plus an assistant (Cesar), plus biology student (Daniela da'Costa).Īll the tripods were from Gitzo. ![]() Tips and suggestions for photography of snakes The coloring of the body can vary greatly depending on the locality and works as very effective camouflage in the jungles and forests of its natural range. This is only when light is shining at certain angles.īoa constrictor, mazacuata, at Aurora Zoo, Guatemala City. ![]() If the boa skin is clean, and you put him in the sunlight, you can see many colors of the rainbow on the scales of the boa. Boas reflect light in a rainbow variety of colors Their scales do not stand out from each other as much. You can see why the Aztec called their monster a feathered snake (Quetzalcoatl): the scales really do remind you of feathers. The scales of a rattlesnake really stick out the pattern of scales looks like feathers. The scales of boa are very different from the scales of a rattlesnake For boa constrictors who send signals that they want us to keep our distance we use a 180mm macro lens. For these snakes we use a 180mm telephoto lens to stay outside striking distance.įor the boas that are accustomed to being with people, we use a 100mm macro lens. We also respect their territory when the snake sends a signal that it does not want us to come closer. Obviously we were gentle and we do our best to interact in a friendly manner with the creatures we are photographing. Yes, boas have teeth (just they are not venomous). One snake was scanning Sofia the snakes breathing pattern clearly showed it was preparing to strike. But one or two of the snakes were very active and difficult to photograph due to their rapid movements. Three were docile if carried by their normal handler, Carlos. Two were docile and let Daniela carry them back and forth to their cage. March 2008, Copyright FLAAR 2012 Boas can get accustomed to being handled by people others not as easily handled Photo taken by Jaime Leonardo at Serpentario La Aurora Zoo with a Nikon D300. We use Savage backdrop paper to provide a neutral background.īoa constrictor, detail on the scales. This is because to get really clear photos it is necessary to have the reptiles out of their caves and on a studio table. We do this on a Monday, when the zoo is otherwise closed to the public. And about two months later we asked for and received permission to photograph the several boa constrictors in the La Aurora Zoo, Guatemala City. In El Salvador it was possible to photograph a boa constrictor which was being liberated into the Parque Nacional El Imposible. Since funding is lacking to do line drawings of the scale patterns, we have not yet been able to show all the patterns of the scale coloration on boa constrictors but at least we are doing our best to photograph diverse specimens of these snakes. However the primary reason why I am studying boa constrictors is because certain patterns of their scales may be represented in stylized paintings on vases and cups of the Late Classic Maya, especially during Tepeu 2 times. But there are a few representations of snakes elsewhere in Maya art which are more likely boa constrictors. Usually it is the rattlesnake which attracts attention in Maya art, especially in decorations on Puuc architecture in Yucatan. Snakes in Maya art: Guatemala, Belize, Mexico, Honduras ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |