American toad photoshoot 9/29/2010

[Jace]

Is that the only way to really sex a toad-to hear it call?

[Greg M]

With American toads and many related species (Woodhouse's toads, etc), the mature males have dark throats (see my avatar), much bulkier arms, and nuptial pads on the thumbs. If you look at the thumbs, the males have huge pads on the upper surface that make their thumbs look huge in comparison with those of females. My big male Woodhouse's toad retains the nuptial pads year round, but I am not sure if that is typical or not. I will try and get a few close-ups of my beast, partly because all these wonderful shots are making me want to try my hand at photography...

[Jace]

That would be really great, Greg, thank you. I know Enoch the Westen Toad is still way to young and small to be sexed yet, but I want to learn what I can now about toads so that I can really enjoy and learn from his/her growth. Once he or she is big enough, I might have to bring Eel Noob to Canada for a toad photo shoot!!

[Greatballzofire]

Great photos! I will have to dig out my light box and get some shots of my California toads!

Not an amphibian (LOL!), but in light box.

[Jace]

Geez-NOT expecting a snake!! Okay, now that my heart is back in my chest, that is a great shot. Very vibrant colours. Can you build a light box or is it something you have to purchase?? If it can help me get photos like that, I am very interested!

[Eel Noob]

Thanks


lol my setup is just a diaper box with white papers covering all sides

[Greatballzofire]

Geez-NOT expecting a snake!! Okay, now that my heart is back in my chest, that is a great shot. Very vibrant colours. Can you build a light box or is it something you have to purchase?? If it can help me get photos like that, I am very interested!

http://www.digital-photography-schoo...ive-light-tent

http://www.cheapshooter.com/2007/07/...obe-photoshop/

http://repticzone.com/forums/Bull-Pi...s/2127024.html
Later I found out if you put your subject under a bowl, then quickly remove the bowl to take the shot, it is easier than struggling to get the subject to stay in one spot.

[UncleChester]

Very nice!

Since I've started carrying my lightbox around with me, I've yet to find any toads. Sigh. My version is a small cooler turned on its side. A cooler is nice for the plastic sides that can handle water with no crinkles.