riverlass Loc: northern California

These images of the Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas) more commonly known as Bufo boreas (both names are used.) were taken after dark in my garden. I heard a rustle in the dry leaves and found the toad trying to move between a concrete brick and the side of a wine barrel planter. It finally moved behind some plants, so I followed it with my trusty flashlight.
The only light source was from a flashlight that I laid down on the ground and pointed in the toad's direction. Would a Speedlight have given me the same effect? I never thought a flashlight would work so well. I especially like the last image. You really get the feeling that there is darkness all around the toad. Can you get the same low light image with a flash? I used the flash on the camera and it was too much light... looks awful.
I guess what I'm asking is... How would I get this effect with any other light source? I really like the "in the dark" look of these.

Looking for bugs


Close up of the toad's back, warts and all.


My favorite. Toad in the darkness.

(Download)

banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan

Ribbet!

riverlass Loc: northern California

Very funny, banjonut... now how about some help. :roll:

GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA

I like the last one too :-)

Yes, you can. But it is more difficult, since you can't see the effect until you expose. The higher end speedlight s do offer a modeling light though.

If you use an off-camera flash with a snoot, you can get a tight circle of light on your subject.
The flash will also allow you to use a faster shutter speed and smaller aperture.

I hope this helps a bit,

GT

Stouty Bear Loc: North Carolina

I'm rather new at this photography thing and cannot offer any technical assistance. I really like the simple light effect the flashlight gave in the third photo. If it works - it works. Great photos. thanks.

riverlass Loc: northern California

This does, thank you. I have the SB700 speedlight. I didn't know know about the "snoot". I haven't used it off camera yet. I will read up on this.
I do know about the flash allowing me faster shutter speed and smaller aperture. I do Macro work. thanks again.

merrytexan Loc: georgia

terrific shot number 3! good idea to use a flashlight! :-D

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I think the Speedlight would have given you a more evenly balanced and softer light. Nice toad.

Dennis

Yooper 2 Loc: Ironwood, MI

I really like the last one. Great capture of all the toad warts. I would darken the background so only the toad shows.

riverlass Loc: northern California

I'm sure the speedlight would have given me softer, more balanced light... but I wonder if I would get the same "in the dark" effect? I'm going to go back out after dark, with the speedlight, and see what I can see.
Thanks for the comment.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I think if you turn the Speedlight down to possibly 1/4 or 1/16th it would act more as a fill flash rather than light the whole area. I have not tried it so was just a suggestion.

Dennis

riverlass Loc: northern California

This is what Douglass recommends too. I will try 1/4 or less and experiment. Thanks.