14-JUN-2005
Western Rattlesnake, Crotalus v. lutosus
Up close series
Photographer: E.K. Schafhauser
Courtesy of Reptilerescue@verizon.com
Camera Nikon 5700, Digital
Western Rattlesnake Crotalus v. lutosus
Snakes and reptiles in general are my favorites to photograph. If only a photograph of a snake could revel the appreciation that I have for intrigue, beauty, and survivorship of such a fascinating creature. If a snake is venomous I will photograph it both moving and in its defensive pose. If approached with slow caution I can photograph just beyond its striking distance. Determining this distance is the key to not getting bit. As a biologist I come in contact with wildlife up close and personal. I usually take photographs within 2cm of the animal this requires being observant, stealthy, or willing to hold the animal while photographing.
12-JUN-2005
Western Banded Gecko, Coleonyx variegatus
Up close series
Photographer: E.K.Schafhauser
Coutsey of reptilerescue@verizon.com
Camera Nikon 5700, Digital
Western Banded Gecko, Coleonyx variegatus
This reptile is seen only if you are really looking for it under rocks, in crevices and under debris. In the hot desert and tends to come out at night. The intrigue of the eyes is revealed in being able to photograph it within 2cm. Its moveable eyelids, pattern, and texture of the skin create a delicate beauty that thrives in such a harsh, hot environment as the Mojave Desert. As a biologist I come in contact with wildlife up close and personal. I usually take photographs within 2cm of the animal this requires being observant, stealthy, or willing to hold the animal while photographing.
15-MAY-2004
Desert Horned Lizard Phrynosoma platyrhinos Rand-Mojave Rd.
Living Patterns, Textures, and Form Series
Photographer: E.K. Schafhauser
Camera Nikon 995, Digital
They dont call it Horned for Nothing,
Desert Horned Lizard Phrynosoma platyrhinos
The back of a Horned Lizard is a composition in texture, color, and pattern all in one.
When viewed with my lens only 2cm from the subject the animal becomes an art form that most people do not have the opportunity to appreciate in a living animal.
15-MAY-2004
Desert Horned Lizard Phrynosoma platyrhinos Rand-Mojave Rd.
Living Patterns, Textures, and Form Series
Photographer: E.K. Schafhauser
Camera Nikon 995, Digital
On the Edge, Desert Horned Lizard Phrynosoma platyrhinos
Horned Lizards take on the color of their surrounding environment. This one was obviously in a soil type that tended to have red hues.. When viewed with my lens only 2cm from the subject the animal becomes an art form that most people do not have the opportunity to appreciate in a living animal.
23-AUG-2004
Desert Spiny Lizard - Sceloporus magister
Living Patterns, Textures, and Form Series
Photographer: E.K. Schafhauser
Camera Nikon 995, Digital
Lizard Belly, Desert Spiny Lizard Sceloporus magister
Reptiles pose amazing patterns and colors that can only be seen if you look with a macro vision. These are the belly scales of a male ready for matting. These colors are true and the blur look is the actual double scaling of each scale. When viewed with my lens only 2cm from the subject the animal becomes an art form that most people do not have the opportunity to appreciate in a living animal.
29-MAY-2004
Mojave Rattler Crotalus scutulatus, May 29, 2004
Up close series
Photographer: E.K. Schafhauser
Camera Nikon 995, Digital
Mojave Rattlesnake, Crotalus scutulatus
This venomous snake means no harm to me if I am cautious and slow. My camera is within one foot of its body. Taking photographs of venomous snakes requires slow movements and it helps to photograph in the cool of the morning so they are slow also. As a biologist I come in contact with wildlife up close and personal. I usually take photographs within 2cm of the animal this requires being observant, stealthy, or willing to hold the animal while photographing.
12-SEP-2004
Yellow-legged frog, Ran muscosa
Up close Series
Photographer: E.K. Schafhauser
Camera Nikon 995, Digital
Yellow-legged frog, Ran muscosa
High in the Sierra Nevada backcountry lakes there lives a prince. I hiked to one of the highest mountain lakes to find him. This threatened species sits in a clear blue mountain lake at 11,000ft. His eye and the lake reflect the blue sky with afternoon clouds rolling by. As a biologist I come in contact with wildlife up close and personal. I usually take photographs within 2cm of the animal this requires being observant, stealthy, or willing to hold the animal while photographing.
19-APR-2005
Western Lyre Snake, Trimorphodon biscutatus
IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER series
Photographer: E.K. Schafhauser
Camera Nikon 5700, Digital
Western Lyre Snake, Trimorphodon biscutatus
This is a slightly venomous snake that has rear fangs. So holding it while photographing it is relatively safe. Within its protruding marble eyes is the reflection of my hat and camera. Being a biologist I encounter a variety of animals in the wild. When photographing small animals I capture the animal, then holding it in one hand I move my camera with the other hand to with in 2cm so as to be able to capture the reflection in its eye. This requires much patience, a steady hand, and stalking the animal for capture. Often the reflection is of me with my camera in hand; and many times wearing a wide brimmed hat, which makes for a fitting self-portrait for a wildlife biologist.
14-JUN-2005
Desert Iguana Dipsosaurus dorsalis
A portrait so close you can just imagine what the reality of a dinosaur millions of years ago must have looked like on a larger scale. Dipsosaurus dorsalis refers to the dinosaur like features and the light whiteish line that can be seen running down the midline on its dorsal side,(backside)
12-JUN-2005
California Newt Taricha torosa ,June 14, 2005
12-JUN-2005
Yellow-bloched salamander, Ensatina croceater, June 14, 2005
12-JUN-2005
Western Toad, Bufo boreas
