If you need to, take a piece of cardboard and place it between the snake and water bowl. If he is in his hide you can simply block off the entrance to his hide so he can't see what you are doing.
As far as getting bit, it doesn't hurt like most people think, it's more of like a minor burning sensation. I've gotten bit by puppy teeth and cat claws, and tattoos that hurt way worse. Getting a flu shot hurts more, if that tells you anything. Usually it's the suprise of getting bit. You can always wear some gloves until you are more comfortable. If and when you get bit, just wash it with soap and water and put a little neosporin on it and it will be gone in about 2 days. But make sure you wrap it in a super huge, overkill bandage, so when people say "Oh my god! What happened to your hand?" You can just smile and say, "snakebite"... Just make sure you keep a camera handy cause we always like pics. I'm going to try and post a link to a video from Snakebytes TV. The fun starts at about the halfway point...

http://sg.video.yahoo.com/watch/4430191/11876626

Thanks to Brian and the crew at BHB. This is still my favorite episode...

Rob