I’m getting ready to head out for back-to-back Costa Rica photo tours, and as I was packing my gear, one item was especially important to remember: a powerful flashlight. That might sound a little odd if you’re used to seeing wildlife photographed with flash, but when it comes to Red-eyed Treefrogs, light painting is a far better and more responsible option.
Why not use flash?
While flash is incredibly useful in many wildlife situations, repeated exposure can be harmful to the delicate skin of these frogs. Because of that, we avoid flash altogether and instead use a light-painting technique that allows us to create beautifully lit images while minimising disturbance to the animals.
The process starts by carefully composing the shot with the camera mounted on a tripod. Once everything is framed, focused, and locked down, I open the shutter for a long exposure — in this case, about 10 seconds. During that time, I slowly “paint” the frogs with the flashlight, moving the light back and forth to evenly illuminate them. The key is to keep the light moving so no single area is overexposed.
Light painting
Of course, this technique requires patience. Throughout the exposure, I’m hoping the frogs remain perfectly still. Even the slightest movement can soften the image or ruin the shot altogether.
Once the exposure is complete, I check the histogram to confirm proper exposure, then review the image on the back of the camera to make sure everything is sharp and nothing shifted.
An ethical approach to night wildlife photography in Costa Rica
Light painting is slower and more deliberate than using flash, but that’s part of its appeal. It forces you to slow down, think carefully about your lighting, and work with the subject rather than overpowering it.
In environments like Costa Rica’s rainforests, especially at night, this approach not only produces beautiful results but also respects the wildlife we’re there to photograph.
Good Luck and Good Light!
Steve & Nicole
Image: Mated Red-eyed Treefrogs, Costa Rica
Camera: Nikon D4S
Lens: 200mm Macro
Settings: 10 seconds @ f/22, ISO 200
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