Snakes and Stones

Beautiful! Merry Christmas.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Beautiful! Looks like we're all getting to enjoy your new camera- :)

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kam

Beautiful! Merry Christmas.

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Thanks! Very busy lately!
I only have the opportunity to work on my photos today because it is snowing.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...023_ssp6iy.jpg

Photo #282
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...zed_jvhovw.jpg
Pastel Lavender Albino with a big chunk of tumbled Leland Blue Slag Glass (very porous, very sharp material).
I didn't go 'high polish' on this slag glass because it tends to fracture and it was a feat to even smooth out a larger piece this size.

In that case, I'll keep hoping for more snow in your area! :D Your photos have been missed here, & those two ^ are awesome.

Photo #283
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_qzqclw.jpg
More rocks from my backyard with a Clown Ball Python.

An ice storm knocked out my power for a few days. No worries though, that is why I have a propane backup generator. :)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...e-1_uako8z.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...e-2_vemddv.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...e-3_zelkah.jpg

Beautiful, but those are 2 words I never like to hear together (ice, storm)! Glad you have a generator anyway.

Photo #284
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_sjcwcb.jpg
More stones from my backyard. :)
Pastel Het Axanthic ball python.

Breeders note:
My Bumblebee Het Axanthic/Pos. Het Pied (Photo #235) https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-Stones/page51 had a grey pigment splotch in one area on both sides.
I was curious if it would fade as the snake got older: It did not.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...le1_xa2cwr.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...le2_wsrlba.jpg
None of my Pastel Het Axanthics I hatched in 2022 have these gray marks.

Photo #285
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_isuaz6.jpg
Pastel Pied with some assorted Red Agates. :)

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Originally Posted by Lord Sorril

Breeders note:
My Bumblebee Het Axanthic/Pos. Het Pied (Photo #235) https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-Stones/page51 had a grey pigment splotch in one area on both sides.
I was curious if it would fade as the snake got older: It did not. None of my Pastel Het Axanthics I hatched in 2022 have these gray marks.

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Now, the burning question is, "What do I name this new morph?" Then, of course, "What will I do with the millions I make from selling its offspring?"

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Originally Posted by Homebody

Now, the burning question is, "What do I name this new morph?" Then, of course, "What will I do with the millions I make from selling its offspring?"

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Hahaha! I think the grey coloration is just some type of weird ringer (maybe from a Het Pied/Het Axanthic interaction).

Besides, who needs to discover new morphs when you can just take old ones and rename them?
If anyone says anything: just tell them it is a 'Line name' and then go back to calling them whatever-and keep jacking up the price. :rolleyes:
The 'Lord Sorril Axanthics (LS)' have now been proven compatible with VPI axanthics and for a limited-time only: are 10X the price of a standard VPI! Whoooooo! Buy fast before I rename them next year!
Yeah...right...

Photo #286
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_yyszvf.jpg
Hypo/Het Axanthic with a brazilian agate nodule.

Photo #287
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_eo3wxu.jpg
Piebald with some odds and ends.

Wow, that's gorgeous! :D

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Wow, that's gorgeous! :D

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Thanks! :)

Photo #288
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_n30vot.jpg
Pastel clown with some assorted stones (mostly Jade).

Photo #289
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_trpcb2.jpg
Black Pastel/Orange Dream with a stone from Snake River, Idaho (USA). ;)

Photo #290
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_nq3c7o.jpg
Pastel/Fire/Clown (Firefly Clown) with some assorted agates.

Photo #291
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_nhkazc.jpg
Some more tumbled stones originally collected from Massachusetts (coast/inland), and a Lavender Albino.

Photo #292
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_gyqrvn.jpg
Pastel/Het Axanthic (a lot of orange on this one).
The stones are: local feldspar (grey), broken geode pieces (white), and a few pink/purple agates.

Photo #293
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_u0ypou.jpg
Leopard Het Clown with some assorted stones.

Photo #294
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_dx5b9m.jpg
Piebald ball python with a finished piece of Peanut Wood (a type of petrified wood).

I've never heard of "Peanut wood" before- you come up with the most unique things! :D And your "eye candy" is always appreciated.

Photo #295
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_ozcusi.jpg
Some larger 'quartzy' rocks I tumbled and polished from my area.

Ball python is a Black Pastel/Spider/Lesser, from the cross of a Super Black Pastel/Spider x Lesser. :)

That's stunningly beautiful- :gj:

So pretty!! You should make these into a calendar!

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

That's stunningly beautiful- :gj:

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Thank you! Thank you! :)

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Originally Posted by Missiepixie

So pretty!! You should make these into a calendar!

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Thanks! I was brainstorming along the lines of something more elaborate...maybe in 10-15 years creating an art museum exhibit:

-The walls of the gallery would of course have posters of my 'best' photos in their original resolution of 4K (the ones shown are scaled down to 1K-I do see some quality loss/pixelation in my uploads).
-I would have some rock tumblers and graded grits on display: describing the process. (There would also be a rock tumbler actively tumbling)
-There would be a small interactive 3D geology model section regarding common mining techniques for certain minerals/gemstones.
-There would be a large display screen on one wall with a perpetual loop of ball python eggs hatching in time lapse (which I have already started collecting video for).
-In a glass case in the center of the room I would have examples of stones as they move through the tumbling/polishing process.
-I would have some of my best stones accented by mini-spotlights beside rough stones of the same type.
-There would be a simplified plaque with ball python natural origin and role in Africa, history in the pet trade, and common behaviors.

I'm sure I can think of more things. But, you get the idea. ;)

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Originally Posted by Lord Sorril

Photo #295...Ball python is a Black Pastel/Spider/Lesser, from the cross of a Super Black Pastel/Spider x Lesser. :)

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That is an unusually beautiful ball python. I've seen a lot of bp, but I haven't seen anything like that. Amazing!

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Originally Posted by Homebody

That is an unusually beautiful ball python. I've seen a lot of bp, but I haven't seen anything like that. Amazing!

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Thanks! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Photo #296
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_jree5y.jpg
Stromatolite from Wyoming, some local quartzish stones, and a GHI/Mojave Het Ghost Ball Python (in shed).
Stones in my area are usually pretty challenging to tumble/polish. I know a lot of hobbyists wouldn't bother...but, they are free! ;)

Photo #297
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_olhppg.jpg
This was a tough batch of stones. Rhodonite and a piece of Chrysocolla-(likely).
Rhodonite is soft and difficult to tumble/polish (without specialized tools).
This batch of Rhodonite was poor quality to start...did what I could. :)

Piebald ball python shown.

Photo #298
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_vvr3be.jpg
Some local Quartz-y stones with a Black Pastel/Spider/Orange Dream.
It appears that Black Pastel and OD like to 'cancel' each other out to some extent.

Photo #299
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_tvrarp.jpg
4 different types of stone shown. (I couldn't name them all-lol)
Ball Python: Leopard (+Het Clown)

Thank you All for the 2M+ views! :carrot:

I'm glad you enjoyed the photos!

There are 9 more photos for 2022 offspring.
If all goes well for breeding plans in 2023 then we should have another upcoming batch. :)

Photo #300
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_h2izrc.jpg
Clown ball python with some more Rubellite and a big chunk of tumbled Milky Quartz.

Photo #300 makes 300 individual ball python specimens shown.

For my 2023 season:
I have 45 mature females allocated for mating.
With 1:1 Matings I only expect ~50% to actually produce eggs.
So, that is about 22 clutches of eggs, around 6 eggs/clutch-so I'm expecting ~130 offspring for the season (barring any unforeseen issues).

I am excited to introduce my Pastel Blade Het Clown male into my collection of Het Clown females.
It will be interesting to see first-hand the impact of the Blade gene on the patterning of the inherited Clown offspring of my line.

Since I have a variety of genes in my collection: I was trying to figure out what morphs I should target for 2023...
I looked back in my records from about 8 years ago and I had wrote down a list morphs I thought were pretty cool.
This year I am breeding towards these goals that I set long ago-some of the offspring will be one step forward, and others should complete some of these projects (hopefully). :aww:

Wish me luck for 2023!

You bet, we wish you ALL the LUCK for 2023 & beyond. And we'll never tire of your photos- nothing like adding fresh "models"-:D

Photo #301
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_npvj8a.jpg
Piebald in shed with some assorted Petrified Wood.

Photo #302
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_mjr7ss.jpg
Brazilian Agate with a Clown (+Pastel or Fire).

Photo #303
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_ch20wa.jpg
Leopard Het Clown with some Obsidian (black/silver sheen), a large piece of chalcedony and a few strange stones.

Photographing obsidian is odd because it both absorbs, reflects, and diffracts light at the same time.

Below is a closeup of the greenish areas on unknown the stones.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...002_iw5rqu.jpg
If someone IDs these stones in the rock forums I will let you know what they are. :)

Photo #304
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_dulsks.jpg
Some local Quartzy rocks, and a few pieces of Rose Quartz from the Mid-West USA (for some color).
Ball Python is a Pastel/Het VPI Axanthic.

I like how this ^ ^ ^ snake's head matches the rock he's posing next to. :D

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I like how this ^ ^ ^ snake's head matches the rock he's posing next to. :D

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I didn't even notice until you mentioned it! You are completely right though! :)

Photo #305
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_vug8lt.jpg
I can count a little more than 15 types of stones in this photo (from Agate to Grossular Garnet to Topaz).
Ball Python is a Spider/Black Pastel.

A while back I bought a box of halved Thunder Eggs from Ebay. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderegg
I thought the faces on the eggs were pretty neat, but, the 'shell' of the eggs was heavily textured and rough.
I thought I would try and clean them up to be a bit more aesthetically pleasing to hold.

Photos below are the same stones shell vs. face (first group out of vibe), with a clown ball python.

Photo #306A
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_irwlhh.jpg

Photo #306B
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_wxa6ar.jpg
I never intended them to be perfect tumbles-so I am not surprised they are a bit rough.
I am still very pleased with the results. :)

Who cares about "perfect tumbles"? They have so much color & personality- much like the snake.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Who cares about "perfect tumbles"? They have so much color & personality- much like the snake.

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Hahaha, 'perfect tumbles' are a rock tumbling hobbyist 'thing', a goal to strive for...;)

In other news: I decided the Piebald from Photo #294 is actually Pastel Pied (top right in photo below). Had to compare with the others in similar lighting.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_ivldef.jpg
I covered all 6 of these snakes with bowls before rapidly lifting them and taking several photos.
They held their positions for a good 30 seconds before scattering lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lord Sorril

...I covered all 6 of these snakes with bowls before rapidly lifting them and taking several photos.
They held their positions for a good 30 seconds before scattering lol

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Snake "models" can really try a photographers patience & creativity. :D The bowl trick was a good idea. :gj:

Photo #307
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_je6n5j.jpg
This is the last of my 2022 Snakes and Stones photo set.
Ball python is a Leopard/Het Clown.
Eight types of stone shown:
Cherry Creek Jasper, Montana Agate, Banded Obsidian, Dyed Purple Dalmation Jasper, Pink/Red Agate, Grey/Blue Feldspar, Asteroid Jasper, and a few Emeralds.

I have to balance the Snakes and Stones photos between the snake subject and the stones.
Here is a side-by-side of my three Lav Abinos produced in 2022.
Sometimes it is good just to look at one or the other. :)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_z4qlcq.jpg

So, I had an idea:
What if I took one of my photos and fed it into an AI (StarryAI) and I told it to create a new 'serpent' based on what it saw?
How about if I used a photo of my clown ball pythons from 2022:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_b1uvwr.jpg
Most of the AI output images were gibberish, AI definitely seems to have a problem with snakes.
Of course dragons look very similar and that is something it is more familiar with...
I thought the following Image-to-Image outputs based on my photo were amusing :):
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_v0oqce.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_gydcf3.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_xfptnj.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_oc0xva.jpg
Note: Copyright does not apply to these derived images.
I just slapped my 'tag' on there because the primary source is my clown photo.
The law is currently ever-changing regarding AI tech.

And so you're breeding these next year, right? My fave's the pink & green one- where do I send the deposit? ;)

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

And so you're breeding these next year, right? My fave's the pink & green one- where do I send the deposit? ;)

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It's going to take a few years for me to get enough breeding stock before I start taking deposits. :P

In the meanwhile I am in the process of sterilizing my egg bins for upcoming clutches.

My gf mentioned the other day that the U.S. quarters I use in my photos are kinda ugly.
She suggested I find a different coin for my upcoming 2023 photos.
Who am I to deny constructive feedback?

OK, lets use a $15 Canadian Silver Piece (Year of the Snake-2013)-instead (size comparison below).
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_wk8jev.jpg
I don't know if the mirror polish on the coin will be an issue, guess we will find out...
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_yq5pdp.jpg

I never knew there was such a coin. My :colbert2: to our Canadian friends for such numismatic good taste, & to your gf for suggesting it. (The snake & the rock are very nice too.)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I never knew there was such a coin. My :colbert2: to our Canadian friends for such numismatic good taste, & to your gf for suggesting it. (The snake & the rock are very nice too.)

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Thanks!

Now that I'm waiting for eggs I can mess around with random photos lol...
Here is one of my Super Pastel/Spider/Het Hypo/Het VPI Axanthic/Pos. Het Pieds with a pegasus and a raw chunk of https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...org/wiki/BerylBeryl from NH.
Emeralds and Aquamarine are a type of Beryl, shown below is the equivalent in my area in its rough form. :)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_vo9px2.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_qqbygp.jpg

Saw my apple tree blooming outside and figured it would make a good photo-op.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_z2uc6j.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_n6pksy.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ked_igebdi.jpg
Sure, I could have used a Blue-Eyed Leucistic, but, they are used so frequently for tree blossom photos it is almost cliche at this point. :)