i'm still learning a lot too, and i know this won't be of much help with your indoor shots in your light tent. the light tent i got didn't have very good lights and the pictures don't turn out that great either, so until i get some better lights, i've found some of the best looking pictures i've taken that represent the snakes colors the best are outside on a cloudy day. not sunny, but overcast. in the bright sunlight they don't look right. (not even sure you're asking specifically about snake pictures. lol)
i found this thread useful:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ox-photography
i kinda took the same idea, except i haven't been by the store to get the foam board, so i just laid a white sheet over a table. you can still see the wrinkles, but that won't be an issue if you get the foam board.