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!