Gecko Gecko
The Tokay Gecko (Gecko gecko) is the second largest gecko in the world and was the first gecko to be scientifically described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is found ...
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The Tokay Gecko (Gecko gecko) is the second largest gecko in the world and was the first gecko to be scientifically described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is found throughout much of Asia, although it is under threat due to poaching for the pet trade in the West and for use in traditional medicine in the East.
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Jul, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken at Komodo Island in Komodo National Park, Flores, Indonesia. We were staying in small huts - the only people on the island other than the park rangers - and I took the image while out spotlighting at night, by myself, much to the distress of my girlfriend! The photograph is of a Tokay Gecko (Gecko gecko), the first gecko named to science by Linnaeus.Time
The photo was taken at about 11pm.Lighting
I used a Canon 430EX II flash with a diffuser.Equipment
Canon 7D with a 100mm f2.8 macro lens and 430EX II flash, handheld.Inspiration
The Tokay Gecko is absolutely spectacular, in both it's patterns and colouration. I had seen one the day before and spoken to the rangers about it - apparently a large one sells for around $5000US on the black market to the US pet trade and Chinese traditional medicine markets. I thought that I would photograph it in the hope that the image could promote awareness of wildlife poaching and illegal trade.Editing
Quite obviously, a bit of selective colour to bring out the spectacular colours and patterns of the gecko! Also a little bump in contrast.In my camera bag
Canon 6D Canon 70-200mm f2.8 Canon 100mm f2.8 macro Canon 24-70 f4 Canon 50mm f1.4 Samyang 14mm f2.8 Canon 1.4x Extender Tripod Canon 430EX II FlashFeedback
Get out there at night time, you wouldn't believe how much wildlife calls the shadows home! A good head torch will open up a whole new world of invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and if you're lucky, some mammals and birds. The best way to find them is by eye shine - make sure you have your lamp as close as possible to being inline with your eyes, you'll see a myriad of sparkling white reflections, like the night sky, which are caused by insects. Keep an eye out for the larger, dimmer and deeper reds and oranges of vertebrates. Oh and I really didn't follow the rules on this one - always go with a friend and play it safe, in this case I was on an island with the largest lizard in the world, capable of taking down full grown buffaloes.... I made sure that I stayed within yelling distance of the hut, but I really should have been out there with the rangers. They'll usually take you out for a small financial contribution and will vastly improve your chances of seeing animals, their local knowledge is second to none.
