I'd offer one more tip, if you're going to use a picture. Take several pictures from different angles, and try to focus near the tip of the tail since that area has the smallest scales. The larger scales near the vent are always much easier to see.

Bob, I counted 85 scales on yours before the small gap in dots near the tail spike. Then I couldn't tell where the scales ended and the spike began. If you come up with anything different (besides 85 or 86), please let us know, okay? If we get enough responses, we'll start keeping better records. Cheers,
Rick