As a photography enthusiast and world explorer, I'm always on the hunt for new ways to capture the beauty of life. And let me tell you, my collection of reptiles - chameleons, bearded dragons, and geckos - have been a constant source of inspiration for me.

When I get my hands on new camera gear or lenses, I immediately put them to the test by snapping shots of my scaly homies. Whether it's taking them out of their cages for solo photoshoots or setting up sick scenes to mimic their natural habitats, I always find fresh and exciting ways to showcase the unique personalities of my pets.

One of my most memorable shoots was when I received a stuffed dog toy as a Christmas gift. I placed my smallest bearded dragon on the toy dog's back and snapped a photo. The result was a dope way to capture the bond between the two animals and it's still one of my favorite photos. I also remember one time when I got a new lens and I was so excited to test it out, so I took my chameleon out of its cage and started experimenting with different angles and shots. It was so much fun to see the results and I was really happy with the final photos.

I'm also all about nature, so one time I recreated a desert environment to photograph my bearded dragons in their natural habitat. It was a bit of a challenge, but the photos came out fire. I love getting up close and personal with my reptiles, diving into their terrariums with my camera to capture their natural behaviors like eating or basking. It's like getting a glimpse into a whole other world.

As a photographer, it's essential to be creative and experiment with new techniques. My tip for fellow photographers is to not be afraid to get up close and personal with your subjects. Dive into a terrarium, get down on the ground, and capture a unique perspective. It'll lead to some seriously killer shots.

Another tip is to think outside the box when it comes to setting up a photoshoot. Instead of just photographing your pets in their cages or enclosures, try recreating their natural habitat or incorporating props to add an extra layer of interest to the photo. It'll take your photos to the next level. For example, I once set up a small pond in my backyard and put my geckos near it and the results were amazing.

And don't forget to pay attention to lighting when taking photos of your pets. Reptiles, in particular, have unique skin patterns and textures that can be highlighted or obscured depending on the lighting. Experiment with different light sources and angles to find the best lighting for your subject. It's like unlocking a whole new dimension.

Capturing the beauty of my pets and nature is just one of the many things that I love to do as a photographer, and I hope my photos inspire others to think creatively and experiment with new techniques, just like my pets and travels have inspired me.

Another tip I would like to share is to always be prepared and have your camera with you. You never know when an opportunity will arise to take a great shot. I remember one time when I was out for a walk and I saw a beautiful snake on the side of the road and I didn't have my camera with me. I regretted it so much and ever since I always make sure to have my camera with me.

In conclusion, I believe that photography is not just about taking a picture, but it's about capturing a moment and a memory. My pets and nature have given me so many opportunities to do just that, and I will always be grateful for that. Capturing the beauty of my pets and nature is just one of the many things that I love to do as a photographer and I hope that my photographs will inspire others to think creatively and experiment with new techniques, just as my pets and travels have inspired me.

I'm always looking for new adventures and new ways to capture the beauty of the world around me. I think that Amsterdam is the perfect place for that, with so many different cultures and architecture. I like to explore the city, taking pictures of the beautiful canals, the colorful houses and the diversity of the people. I also like to go to the countryside, where I can find peace and quiet and take pictures of the beautiful landscapes and the wildlife.

I love to combine my love for photography and my love for nature and the result is always amazing. Sometimes, I like to go to the beach and take pictures of the sunset, or to the forest and take pictures of the trees and the animals. It's amazing how the light can change everything and make a picture look completely different.

So, if you're a fellow photographer or just someone who loves to capture the beauty of the world, don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. And if you're ever in Amsterdam, don't hesitate to reach out, I'll be more than happy to share my tips and tricks and maybe even have a mojito together.

Happy shooting! - Jeamy Schaling