Monty's First Photoshoot

Well, a bit of a story behind this. I'm not ashamed to say that I have still not handled Monty. I am actually really nervous! He was at the front of the tank this evening and I touched him on his tail and he recoiled somewhat, which made me even more nervous :) I did stroke him for a while but and half picked him up when he started to ball up. He them slithered off at a semi fast pace and went on his basking log. Don't be too harsh on me :) I so want to hold him, but god I am nervous.

Anyway, I took the opportunity to take some shots of his Lordship. I used a couple of focus points, just wanted to see detail at this stage more than anything. I used 2 cameras. a Sony RX100 and a Nikon D800 with a 1.8F prime lens.

http://www.shaggysworld.com/snake/shoot/1.JPG

http://www.shaggysworld.com/snake/shoot/2.JPG

http://www.shaggysworld.com/snake/shoot/3.JPG

http://www.shaggysworld.com/snake/shoot/4.JPG

Nice pics!

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Nice pictures of a very nice snake. As far as handling, you can do it! Take a deep breath, put on a glove, and swoop the little critter up. He'll be putty in your hands in no time. ;)

Beautiful!

has he hissed or struck? if he has, leave him be some more. otherwise I agree with Ziggy. take the leap of faith and scoop him up.

You even don't need gloves, it doesn't hurts when a ball python bites. Just do it ! [emoji106][emoji123]🏼


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No he has never hissed or struck or even looked as though he is going too . I just need to grow a pair :)

Monty, you take some beautiful pictures... My fav is the 3rd one, looks kinda 3-D i mean all of them do but the 3rd the most.. BEAUTIFUL PICS....:gj:

Thanks ! Many more pics to come I hope :) I have some interesting props for him.

HLH Reptiles has some informative videos on handling BP's, reading body language, and working with defensive behaviour.

Shaggy I love all your post. You and Monty crack me up :D

Those are some AWESOME pictures. can’t wait to see more of little Monty. For handling, its often times much better to be decisive and just go in for the snake (not with super-fast jerky motions obviously but with confidence go in and pick that beautiful little bugger up). If he’s not hissing and balled up the last time there does not seem to be much chance of him striking.