Snake Photography

[instinct27]

Well... I've been trying to take some pictures of my bp and to be quite honest, they all suck. I want to get some good close ups of him but he constantly moves away or is never in focus.

I'm pretty much looking for any tips or any suggestions anyone might have.

[JD Constriction]

Sometimes unfortunately you catch snakes at a "bad time" and they aren't very photogenic. Something that can help is to put a metal bowl or metal dog dish in the freezer for a bit and then place it over the snake just prior to taking the picture. Not long enough to hurt him/her but just long enough to cool them down so they slow down.

Hope that helps

[snakecharmer3638]

Not sure if I agree with putting a cold metal bowl over your snake just to take a picture. You might try taking the pictures in the middle of the day, when they are less active. Just have your photo area ready to go, then get them out and snap your pics before they get to active.

[Soterios]

I always end up setting up the camera with a faster shutter speed. Then even if they move, they don't blur. That also allows for those cool shots where the tongue is frozen in motion.

[CeraDigital]

Not sure if I agree with putting a cold metal bowl over your snake just to take a picture. You might try taking the pictures in the middle of the day, when they are less active. Just have your photo area ready to go, then get them out and snap your pics before they get to active.

Although I wouldn't recommend a metal bowl, putting a cool/cold bowl over them for photography purposes doesn't hurt them in the least bit. It is just over them long enough to relax them, and cool them down enough to get your shots. It does much less damage than the cool temps, and other variables they go through, through shipping. You'd be surprised how many photographers and keepers do it...

[snakecharmer3638]

Although I wouldn't recommend a metal bowl, putting a cool/cold bowl over them for photography purposes doesn't hurt them in the least bit. It is just over them long enough to relax them, and cool them down enough to get your shots. It does much less damage than the cool temps, and other variables they go through, through shipping. You'd be surprised how many photographers and keepers do it...

Most snakes are only put through the stress of shipping once. I'm sure it doesn't hurt them. I just don't agree with making your pet uncomfortable to get a picture. When there are probably better ways to get a good shot.

[CeraDigital]

Most snakes are only put through the stress of shipping once. I'm sure it doesn't hurt them. I just don't agree with making your pet uncomfortable to get a picture. When there are probably better ways to get a good shot.

Oh? Explain...

Its not that uncomfortable for them. If it were, they would be fighting more, lash out, struggle, etc. It calms and relaxes them, and makes it less stressful for both the photographer, and subject.

[snakecharmer3638]

Oh? Explain...

Its not that uncomfortable for them. If it were, they would be fighting more, lash out, struggle, etc. It calms and relaxes them, and makes it less stressful for both the photographer, and subject.

I am not trying to start a debate about the proper or in-proper way to take pictures of your snake. Or the hazards or lack of hazards involved when you put a cold bowl over them to "calm and relax them". Man I know how calm and relaxed I am when I go out side in the freezing cold. I could just stay out there all day. I was not trying to change anyones method of doing things. If you would like to continue calming and relaxing your snakes, then by all means go ahead. I simply stated that I didn't agree with it and I, the key word here being I, wouldn't do it. Maybe you need a cold bowl.

[CeraDigital]

I am not trying to start a debate about the proper or in-proper way to take pictures of your snake. Or the hazards or lack of hazards involved when you put a cold bowl over them to "calm and relax them". Man I know how calm and relaxed I am when I go out side in the freezing cold. I could just stay out there all day. I was not trying to change anyones method of doing things. If you would like to continue calming and relaxing your snakes, then by all means go ahead. I simply stated that I didn't agree with it and I, the key word here being I, wouldn't do it. Maybe you need a cold bowl.

There's the thing. You stated your opinion, so you received an opinion. There is a difference between "freezing cold" and cool/cold. You're not sticking the animal in sub-zero temperatures, or temperatures below 50F. Its more around the 60's-70's. They are not build like us either, so they do not react the same way as we do to cold or cool temperatures. It is much less stressful to both snake and the photographer to cool them, and have them sit still, than trying to repeatedly manipulate it to get your shot. Less energy burnt for both as well. Makes more sense than picking the snake back up over and over, to try and get your shot, wouldn't you think?...

If you wouldn't do it, thats fine....but the moment you state your opinion on an open board and thread, is when it becomes arguable, or open to criticism.

[snakecharmer3638]

There's the thing. You stated your opinion, so you received an opinion. There is a difference between "freezing cold" and cool/cold. You're not sticking the animal in sub-zero temperatures, or temperatures below 50F. Its more around the 60's-70's. They are not build like us either, so they do not react the same way as we do to cold or cool temperatures. It is much less stressful to both snake and the photographer to cool them, and have them sit still, than trying to repeatedly manipulate it to get your shot. Less energy burnt for both as well. Makes more sense than picking the snake back up over and over, to try and get your shot, wouldn't you think?...

If you wouldn't do it, thats fine....but the moment you state your opinion on an open board and thread, is when it becomes arguable, or open to criticism.

You are so correct. Opinions, are just that. And if you are the type of person that is so inclined to argue the opinion of another person because you have nothing better to do then so be it. I never said it was right or wrong. I simply said I didn't agree with it. Seems to me it is more productive to argue something that can be proven. Not something that is merely an opinion.