Spotted Salamander Shoot and Video Blog Ep. 1

     So we finally got around to posting the first (of many) video blogs for this film. This stuff was actually shot way back in March but we were super busy with school and work and are just now finally getting around to posting it. So without further ado, here is Episode 1 of our video blog!

    The spotted salamanders are one of our most anticipated herping events every year for many reasons. First because it is usually the first time we get out and go herping after winter so all the built up herping desire really makes it special. Next because we can always count on it happening. If we get rain in Feb or March that is around 50F you can be sure the salamanders will be moving! And last because those dang salamanders are just so cool. They are Amanda's favorite salamanders and one of her favorite herps all together. So it is needless to say, we are pretty excited around that time of the year.

      There is an area we go to where there is a complex of small temporary pools that absolutely fill with  spotteds during this time and I finally got up the guts to go and ask permission of the landowners if they would be alright with us setting up camera stuff and lights to film. They were very very nice about and gave us the go ahead! Now we have a beautiful spotted salamander location all to ourselves and it is great!

       Amanda is starting to really get the hang of this new camera stuff. It is pretty complicated and it usually takes both of us to get everything set up properly. The addition of the 7" LCD monitor has really made a huge difference her ability to focus stuff correctly. A lot of the time we are shooting in a really narrow depth of field and so the area that is in focus is razor thin. That means millimeters make a huge difference on the focus ring.

 

Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)

    We have also been keeping track of a mass of eggs from these salamanders. To film the development of the eggs we set up a small bowl with water and then we can film the eggs up close using the macro lens. Here is what the set up looks like:

We have actually had the eggs hatch and have released the larval salamanders at this point in time. It was really cool to watch them develop though! One of the biggest problems we had while trying to film these eggs was the algae that kept growing in the bowl. It would only take a day or so for the glass to be completely covered in a green film making it impossible to see the eggs. Water changes and constant cleaning were a must.
     When filming things like amphibians, there is the constant danger of ruining some camera equipment due to water. We spent a few nights in the pouring rain filming as well as the tripod has been out in the water with all equipment on it so that we can film frog calls.

Just looking at this picture makes me nervous! So far we are yet to lose or break anything while filming, so we have been fortunate. Whew, the things you have to go through to get good footage...

That does it for now. We will have another update rolling along here soon. We have been spending a lot of time in the glades in MO recently so be ready for that stuff in the next update!