100 Fantastic Photos of Reptiles and Amphibians

Today’s photo collection is a tribute to all things scaly, slimy, or perhaps even both. We have gathered one hundred impeccable examples of reptile and amphibian photography. Whether these creatures are swimming in ponds or slithering underfoot, numerous talented photographers have found them to be the perfect subjects for many beautiful compositions.

As you enjoy each of the following eye-catching photos, make sure that you also take note of a few quick tips that will help you as you endeavor to photograph any reptiles and amphibians that may cross your path.

Tips for Shooting Reptiles and Amphibians

The photos in this post are some of my favorite from any collection that we’ve done. Some are funny, others are frightening, all are simply amazing to look at. These creatures are so fascinating that I can almost guarantee that you’ll want to consider taking some similar shots after seeing them. Here are a few quick tips for accomplishing that goal.

Location, Location, Location

Obviously, the first thing you’ll need to get right is just where to go to find these guys. You might be tempted to think that you live in the wrong type of area, but you’re likely mistaken. Reptiles and amphibians can be found all over the world in a number of different climates. Whether you’re in the arid desert or fertile farmland, you’re likely to find all types of amazing creatures right in your area.

Run a quick Google search for the types of reptiles and amphibians most commonly found in your area. This information is typically very easy to find, usually along with some suggestions for the best places to spot each type.

Look for a Human Element

One of the craziest things that I notice about the images below is how human some of them seem in their actions or poses. Check out how the frog above covers his face with his hands (in either vanity or terror depending on who you ask).

The advice here is that if you’re shooting a series of images and need to choose a favorite, the photo that will get the most attention is the one with the greatest sense of anthropomorphism. We simply can’t help admiring our own characteristics in other species!

Look Close

Another popular trend that I see in the images below is to tightly crop on unexpected but remarkably interesting portions of your subject. Reptiles specifically have an insane amount of detail and texture almost everywhere you look and it’s fascinating to see that up close.

The close-up above looks like nothing less than the scaly hide of a terrifying dragon. Check out those spikes!

Watch Your Focus

Though some are massive, the type of reptiles and amphibians you’re likely to come across in a nature walk tend to be quite small, even tiny. Photographers often push this effect further by using a very shallow depth of field while shooting, which blurs out everything unimportant and highlights the subject extremely well.

With this in mind, you’ll have to be very careful when you focus to make sure you’re hitting the right spot. Use the same trick as shooting a person: focus on the eyes. This tends to be the most visually engaging part of any living thing so if you focus anywhere else it can often seem odd.

Onto the Images!

Now that you’ve read through our quick tips on shooting your own amazing reptile and amphibian photos, take in some incredible inspiration with the 100 photos below. We’ve attempted to classify each image by the family it belongs to according to photographer descriptions (if you spot something out of place, blame the photographer!), but ultimately they’re all fascinating so be sure to take your time and scroll through slowly to take them all in.

Frogs

Paulo Brandao

Nick Harris

Jeff Kubina

Frank Vassen

Geoff Gallice

CMMooney

kaibara87

Kumon

CMMooney

Heather Katsoulis

Andy

John B.

Martin Fisch

Minette Layne

thephotographymuse

Carlos Luna

Minette Layne

pelican

Tom Thai

Stephen Michael Barnett

Minette Layne

Rosan Nepal

Kasia

jinterwas

Yankech gary

Chris Willis

Rego Korosi

arvind grover

Jez Elliott

Snakes

Tad Arensmeier

Matt Reinbold

Billy Lindblom

Schristia

Geoff Gallice

Matthew Hunt

Hannes Steyn

dtron.

Geoff Gallice

Richard Taylor

Salamanders

SpecialKRB

Brian Gratwicke

Christian

Brian Gratwicke

Aah-Yeah

Daniel Lombraña González

Geckos

Josie Hill

Tambako the Jaguar

Nicolas Lannuzel

Zaahir

Basheer Tome

Park Street Pro

Chameleons

Tambako the Jaguar

Nimesh Madhavan

Umberto Salvagnin

Mrs Logic

Ajith Kumar

MyAngelG

paulshaffner

Ben Fredericson (xjrlokix)

Jay Iwasaki

Anoles

Roy Niswanger

Roy Niswanger

ronardios

Roy Niswanger

L Church

Roy Niswanger

patti haskins

GalgenTX

Crocodiles and Alligators

Tambako the Jaguar

orestART

Turtles and Tortoises

Ibrahim Iujaz

Lali Masriera

Susan E Adams

Tambako the Jaguar

yeowatzup

Jason Scragz

Iguanas

Tambako the Jaguar

Vladimir Petkov

Kev Chapman

paprikaOptic

Enrique Dans

KenC1983

dbgg1979

Turi Scandurra

SATOSHI TOMIYAMA

jswieringa

Jens karlsson

Basilisks

Silvain de Munck

Alan Huett

Silvain de Munck

Dominik Bartsch

Bearded Dragons

orestART

Jeff Nelson

Alex Bartok

Jason Scragz

David’n'Sheila

Water Dragons

Alex Lomas

Sam Fraser-Smith

Derek Thomas

aussiegall

Show Us Yours!

As always, thanks for checking out our photo collections! Check back soon for another awesome gathering of images from extremely talented photographers. In the mean time, leave a comment below and show us your best photos of reptiles and amphibians. Also be sure to point out your favorites from the collection above!