Basilisk Lizard Photography Holidays

Photographing Basilisk Lizard The Basilisk Lizard – the legendary “Jesus lizard” – is famous for its ability to run across the surface of water on its hind legs, supported by hydrophobic foot pads & sheer speed. Males are especially dramatic: a tall dorsal crest, head crest, & tail crest combine to create a silhouette of prehistoric proportions. Large adults basking on waterside branches & smaller juveniles skittering across the water’s surface are both staple images of the Costa Rica lowland portfolio. Where NaturesLens Takes You NaturesLens photographs the Basilisk Lizard along river margins, canal edges, & forest ponds across Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands, where the species is common & often encountered from boats on river excursions. Basking adults are patient subjects; water-running juveniles are best captured from a position level with the water surface. Photography Technique & Gear For basking adult males, a 300-500mm lens at f/5.6 captures the crest detail against the water or riverbank background. For water-running sequences, move to a lower position – the water surface perspective shows the spray & the lifted feet simultaneously. Shoot at 1/2000 s or faster to freeze the impact splash, & use continuous burst mode to capture the sequence of foot strikes. The photography holidays listed below operate in regions & habitats where the Basilisk Lizard is regularly encountered. As with all wildlife photography, sightings can never be guaranteed, but our itineraries are designed around seasonal behaviour, suitable habitat, & photographic opportunity, giving you the best possible chance of meaningful encounters in the field. Our small-group approach allows time in the field to adapt to conditions, behaviour, & photographic opportunities as they unfold. You can photograph the Basilisk Lizard in Costa Rica. During our photography holidays, the Basilisk Lizard is often photographed alongside Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frog, Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Collared Aracari, Emerald Toucanet, & Fiery-throated Hummingbird. Seasonal presence & photographic opportunity vary by location & time of year. Photography themes commonly associated with this species include amphibian macro photography, Costa Rican photography, Costa Rican wildlife, frog photography, macro photography of flowers, insects & other miniature flora & fauna, & macro photography subjects.