Just a few shots of some current finds

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Zach_Lim
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Joined: June 10th, 2010, 8:37 pm

Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by Zach_Lim »

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to share some finds and pics from the last few weeks. Just some common to uncommon species from around the Bay Area.

Yellow-eyed Enatina - San Francisco, CA

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Western Skink - Santa Clara County, CA

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Sharp-tailed Snake - Santa Clara County, CA

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Coast Garter Snake - San Francisco, CA

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Western Yellow-bellied Racer - San Mateo County, CA

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Conducted a survey/board laying session with Lawrence and James Liu this weekend.

Sharp-tailed Snake

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Santa Cruz Black Salamander

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The next day James and I scouted out some new areas in southern Santa Cruz County and turned up a handful of snakes, including this beautiful Rubber Boa.

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Thanks,

Zach
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Calfirecap
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Re: Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by Calfirecap »

Nice post Zach, it's certainly shaping up to be a good season. Those Black Manders were really good finds and the agency biologist was stoked, but a little bummed he wasn't there to see them.
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yolodave
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Re: Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by yolodave »

Nice stuff! Congratulations on finding Black Salamanders. See you soon.


Dave
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SurfinHerp
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Re: Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by SurfinHerp »

Some excellent poses in these photos Zach!
I especially like the circular look of the western skink, and the close-ups of the SC black salamanders.

I've been trying to put together photo compilations to share with the rangers and docents of the local preserves I'm volunteering for. I have so many photos, but very few of them are actually useful for a small 'field guide'. I think I need to emulate your style! 8-)

Cheers,

Jeff
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Fieldnotes
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Re: Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by Fieldnotes »

Awesome shots of some cool creatures!! :thumb:
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tspuckler
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Re: Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by tspuckler »

Nice series - especially the SC Black Salamanders!
hellihooks
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Re: Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by hellihooks »

:thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Zach_Lim
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Joined: June 10th, 2010, 8:37 pm

Re: Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by Zach_Lim »

Thanks everyone! I've been trying really hard with taking better photos (as Lawrence can vouch for haha) and have been shooting with an external flash and 100mm Macro lens. Still not the best, but I'm learning!

I do really enjoy the "Field Guide" looking shots, although some may say that they are boring!
Zach_Lim
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Joined: June 10th, 2010, 8:37 pm

Re: Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by Zach_Lim »

Due to the extended daylight after work, I've been able t trek out further and hike/herp in the evenings. Guess I'll keep posting more photos!

Rubber Boa - Santa Cruz County, California

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San Francisco Alligator Lizard - Marin County, California

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Ross Padilla
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Re: Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by Ross Padilla »

Very nice, Zach!
RobertH
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Re: Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by RobertH »

Your photography is coming along really well indeed :thumb:

I took the liberty to edit one of your SC Black shots to show you what a difference that can make:

ImageZack SC shot by Robert Hess, on Flickr

I lowered brightness, and added some warmth, slight saturation and a bit of sharpness. Voila. :-)


Here is the original shot for comparison:

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Robert
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Owen
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Re: Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by Owen »

RobertH wrote:Your photography is coming along really well indeed :thumb:

I took the liberty to edit one of your SC Black shots to show you what a difference that can make:

ImageZack SC shot by Robert Hess, on Flickr

I lowered brightness, and added some warmth, slight saturation and a bit of sharpness. Voila. :-)


Here is the original shot for comparison:

Image

Robert
Just another take on it - cranking up black levels plus a little contrast (I didn't sharpen):

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Oh, and nice critters!
Zach_Lim
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Re: Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by Zach_Lim »

Thank you Robert and Owen for the editing tips! I post my images on Instagram where I have an editing tool, but for FHF, I just post as is from NAHERP haha. However, your edits are great! I really gotta train my eye in what looks good!

Here are some more herps from yesterday evening:

"Flame-phase" Coast Garter Snake - San Mateo County, CA

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Northern Pacific Rattlesnake - San Mateo County, CA

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Porter
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Re: Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by Porter »

Nice photos and nice edits :thumb: keep rm commin' Zach. Cool lookin' gater! The Cal subs are patterned similar to that in the marshlands near petaluma.
mark buck
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Re: Just a few shots of some current finds

Post by mark buck »

really like that western skink shot...
good stuff!
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