Portrait of Triturus part 2: Triturus alpestris apuanus

[jean-pierre]

(<font color="ff0000">Reformatted by John: Jean-Pierre, please remember to put each photo below the last rather than side by side</font>)

 

[hugo]

WOW!!}
I've dreamed of those last night!!
Superb colors!

 

[joeri]

Great set of some triturus species!

What's your secret when you take pictures? The lightning is great, colours are cristal clear and obviously that background is not natural. Please tell us

 

[jean-pierre]

For newt's photo I use a numeric camera (nikon D100) and a special macro lens but
the most important for the photo in tanks, it's a good light.
It's easier to use flash for that.
You can use two flashes (One on each side of the tank) or only one flash
with a wite reflector.
Photo with a small tank, one flash and a reflector:

Two important details, the angle between the tank and the flash must be 40°
and you must pass the lense in a dark piece of cardboard to avoid reflections.
Photo of the black cardboard:

I use different small and flat special tanks I only make for photo (it's easy to make).
Photo of the different tank:

The glass and the water must be really clean.
The water must be the coldest possible for the triturus, if the water is not cold, they don't like that, they are very nervous and try to escape from the tank.

I hope this answer a few to your questions.

JP.

 

[joeri]

It sure answers a lot of questions.
Thank you very much for the detailed information.

And keep posting those great pictures

Joeri

 

[jean-pierre]

I am sorry I forgot to tell you that after you took the photo you have to modify it with photoshop
(or an other program) and keep only the newt.

 

[alan]

Stunning Jean-Pierre.
Merci beaucoup.

 

[TJ]

Thanks so much for sharing those valuable tips!

After all this time, I still have yet to learn to use PhotoShop, though I do have it installed. I started with ACDSee and ACD FotoCanvas and have found it difficult to make the transition to something else -- even something better

Your photos are splendid works of art. Keep them coming!