I just got my first dart frogs today. D.Tinc Tafelbergs. These are so cool. Each one is only about 1 inch in size. I need to practice more on my macro skills. I think when my ring flash gets here next week it'll make a big difference. At least I hope it helps. For now I am using a 420ex flash with a Gary Fong Dome attached, a Canon 50D, and a 100mm Canon lens.
Nice shots both, Shutterpug - what a cool looking frog. I see that you have titled it "Poison Darts". Do I presume they are Poisonous in some way ?
I don't shoot frogs or use flash for my photography but I have heard of the highlight challenge from flash due to the shiny nature of the skin in these frogs. I have also seen people use polarized films to get over the highlights. Dalantech, LordV and others use flash routinely and have mastered this technique in other ways. You may want to learn some finer points from them.
Good Luck and sorry for not being able to comment earlier.
Thank you for directing me to others who shoot frogs. In the wild, these frogs are poisonous, however in captivity they are not due to their diet being different.
Lovely shots of a cutie . The light was slightly harsh though. Your 420 should work just fine. But you'll need to DIY a diffuser for it. Either you put it on a flash bracket then a DIY diffuser on it, or leave it on the hotshoe and DIY a snoot-diffuser. The latter should work fine for up to 1.7X mag.
Thanks Orion, the only diffuser I have right now is the Gary Fong Dome diffuser. I have an inexpensive ring flash that is supposed to b here next week. I'm looking forward to it's arrival.