Welcome to the fascinating world of herpetological (Reptile & Amphibian) photography by Ross McGibbon
I’d like to introduce my self by explaining the motivation behind what I do. Put simply, I am fascinated by reptiles and the natural world they live in. For me, there is no activity more fulfilling than learning about these animals, travelling to where they live and photographing them in their natural habitat. It's for this reason all of my images are of wild animals photographed in habitat. Furthermore, I do not photograph captive or relocated animals, nor do I Photoshop images; only basic adjustments with Adobe Lightroom during post processing are performed.
My obsession with reptiles and the outdoors began as a young boy, much to the detriment of my early education, preferring to sneak out of class to find reptiles and frogs rather than being confined to a classroom all day. Now, as an adult, I'm no longer restricted to the bushland around my school. When I'm not travelling or in the field finding and photographing reptiles, I’m researching the species I have yet to find and planning my next adventure.
I’m now based in Perth, Western Australia, and after travelling to 35 countries my favourite places are still the red sandy deserts, lush tropical rainforests, vast mountain ranges and spectacular coastlines of Australia. My frequent travels have resulted in an expansive portfolio of images showcasing some of Australia’s most iconic species in their natural habitat.
Over the years I’ve come to realise that the popularity of birds, mammals and marine life far outweighs that of reptiles. Being passionate about reptiles is said to be like supporting the loosing footy team year in and year out. This is because the majority of people fear and misunderstand reptiles - particularly snakes. Therefore, I use my images as a medium to spread education and awareness about reptiles. If I can help the public to appreciate and understand these extraordinary animals even a fraction of what I do, then I will consider my efforts well rewarded.
"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand" (Baba Dioum, 1968.)
EQUIPMENT
- Canon R6 full frame mirrorless camera
- Tamron SP 17-35mm 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di OSD
- Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD R2
- Venus Laowa 15mm f/4 Wide Angle Macro
- Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM
- YONGNUO YN-560 IV Wireless Speedlite Flashes
- A trusty VW Amarok that gets me around the country
Photographing a spectacular Green Python (Morelia viridis) in Iron Range NP, Cape York, Queensland (2016).
Photographing a wild Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) in Tasmania, Australia (2019)
Up close and personal filming a wild Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) in North Queensland, Australia (2018)
Me at age seven inspecting the large teeth of a taxidermy saltwater crocodile at a reptile park in Queensland
Me with the 'rig' while looking for the Western Desert Taipan in the Great Victoria Desert, Western Australia (2017)