Spike the Bearded Dragon. Exotic Pet Photography. Toledo Photo Studio.

One of our goals this year is to work with new types of creatures. As Toledo pet photographers, we want to show that we are not limited to dogs and cats. We will photograph pets with scales, with feathers and even hairless ones. All your beloved family members deserve to be documented.

I have been planning to find a reptile to bring into the studio but other work came first. I decided to finally make it happen as one of our FLUFF-uary feature articles this year. Several years ago, I worked with a ball python and model in studio. Each new creature I get to photograph teaches me something new. I get to learn about their personalities, their needs and their impact in their owner’s life. I seek these opportunities to keep myself inspired and growing.

Megan made us feel comfortable handling and posing Spike. I enjoyed taking my time photographing the details of his scales, the soulfulness in his eyes, and the delicate fingers and toes that propel him along. Would you be willing to hold a reptile as part of your job? How about a rodent? A bird? My only limit is… bugs.

Megan and spike:

How did you get interested in Bearded Dragons? I became interested when I met a bearded dragon at a small pet store. The owner let me hold it, and I knew I wanted one. As soon as I got home I started researching them.
How did Spike come into your life and how long have you had him? After learning about them I decided a bearded dragon was the perfect fit for me and went to a local pet store, got all my supplies and picked out Spike when he was about 2 months old. He was the only orange colored one and I fell in love. I’ve had him for almost 5 years.
What does caring for a Bearded Dragon look like? What would you tell someone thinking about getting one? Caring for a bearded dragon is a lot of work especially when they’re younger. When they are babies they eat about 30 crickets a day and need a daily calcium supplement along with proper heat and uvb lighting. They need lots of space too as they get older, and their diet will transition and require more greens and vegetables than insects after about a year. I would tell someone interested in getting a beardie to invest in the right habitat and lighting. Proper lighting is so important, especially for growing babies. Also to get comfortable with handling bugs, because there are a lot of them involved.
Does he interact with/get along with other animals in your home? Spike is very friendly and gets along with all the animals in the house. He loves watching the Guinea pigs that live below him and always tries to find a way into their cage when he’s out. Loki tries to play with Spike but Spike would rather cuddle.

What makes Spike unique? Spike is unique for many reasons. He may be a reptile but there’s nothing he loves more than a soft blanket to snuggle in. He loves to ride on my shoulder and go for car rides and walks any chance the weather’s nice. He loves people too, and will let anyone hold him and love on him.

What stood out to you about your experience in the studio with Rebecca? What stood out to me with my experience was the extra care Rebecca and Jess took with my animals. This was the first time I have taken any of them to get pictures done and they were all so comfortable. My Guinea pigs were squeaking and eating the whole time like they lived there. Loki was terrified of the flash and Rebecca was so patient and opened the curtains for lighting and got some great pictures of my boy when I didn’t think he was going to cooperate.

All photos were taken at the Rebecca Trumbull Photography Studio in Toledo, OH by Photographer Rebecca.

REBECCA TRUMBULL IS A PET, FAMILY AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER LOCATED IN TOLEDO, OHIO. SHE HAPPILY SERVES TOLEDO, OHIO AND ALL OF NORTHWEST OHIO WITH HER PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY AND COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY WORK.

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