Yuku free message boards

Hi Andreas,

I still occasionally use my point-and-shoot, small Nikon digital camera for baby snake pictures and it does take really nice pictures. Before I had studio lights, I would set up outside in the shade on a sunny day or use daylight (not direct sunlight) filtering through my window. I have used a black blanket as a backdrop indoors and just a bush or flowers as a backdrop outside. I am not fond of full sunlight photos because it can wash out the snake's colors, make them squirmy, and I get too hot. Also, there was a post on here describing how to make your own light box. Once set up for you and your camera, it can allow you to take some great photos!

I use a bike stand to clamp the branch that the snake is on into place in front of my chosen background for a picture. I'd recommend finding a way to secure the branch the baby is on for the picture rather than trying to transfer it to something else. They can be a pain to take a picture of once they are disturbed.

Does your camera have a manual setting on it? It's not the big of a deal if it doesn't but if you can at least set your aperature (controls how much is in focus) you can get a nice blurred background but keep the snake in focus. If all you have is a macro (typically a flower icon) setting, use that and set the shot up using the viewscreen. This way you have a more accurate idea of what is in your picture, although, it can be hard to figure out what is in focus using your viewscreen. Check your camera's manual to see how close you can get to your subject with the camera. Use your camera's highest quality settings so that when you take the picture it will still look good after cropping and editing. I prefer setting the camera up on a tripod so I can set my shutter speed slower than I can hold the camera steady but have the right amount of snake in focus. Also, I set the camera so that the flash does not go off.

Some of what I've said may not make much sense if you don't have much technical photography experience. Please feel free to ask for clarification!