An unusual snake shot. I did not clean the area nor attempt to relocate the subject.

[JBW]

Last night, as is my want, I went for a stroll around the garden. The stars were covered so I was paying more attention to where my feet were going than my head.

Then I simply stopped. Something wasn't right. I raised both flashlight and eyes and there about a foot ahead of me, sleeping on some branches that his weight had bowed down to just my heads height was this beauty.

I slowly backed away and went inside. I thought about going back to try for a shot. I thought about waking up this fellow with the cameras flash and decided to wait until morning. When I went out in the morning he had changed his position. Instead of being majestically draped over the branches he was stretched out.

I went up as close as I thought reasonable and got some interesting shots before he slithered off into the neighbors yard.

Lest you think me either brave or foolish this is a coconut tree snake and unless they are in a bad mood they are harmless. Even if they bite they are not poisonous.

[Manfred M]

Snake? What snake? Oh there it is.

I think you need to show the snake's head for the shot to work. I don't think I would put my hand in there to clean things up either. That would, at best, scare off your subject.

[JBW]

Snake? What snake? Oh there it is.

I think you need to show the snake's head for the shot to work. I don't think I would put my hand in there to clean things up either. That would, at best, scare off your subject.

Sadly when he stretched out his head was hidden. There was just no way to move into a position to shoot it.

[mugge]

Which way the 'ead. Either way I'm outta here. Brave Brian.
Cheers Ole

[Manfred M]

One of the most important things I learned about photography back in the film days is to NOT take a shot. It cost real money in film and processing, so I would only take pictures that I felt would likely turn out well.

This is less of a problem in these digital times, but with some other consequences. I have missed good shots because I spent time taking shots I shouldn't have. As well I have spent time in post-processing working on a shot that ended up being a waste of time (although one could argue practiced by PP skills).

You've come a long way over the past while in your photography; you do produce some really good work. You should concentrate on the shots you know have potential and will turn out well.

To help me, I've developed something I call my "5-second rule", and it's really quite simple. If it takes me more than 5 seconds to determine whether a shot is good enough to work on / keep, then I assume it isn't and go on to the next shot.

[JBW]

Which way the 'ead. Either way I'm outta here. Brave Brian.
Cheers Ole

the head was pointing away from me.

[JBW]

One of the most important things I learned about photography back in the film days is to NOT take a shot. It cost real money in film and processing, so I would only take pictures that I felt would likely turn out well.

This is less of a problem in these digital times, but with some other consequences. I have missed good shots because I spent time taking shots I shouldn't have. As well I have spent time in post-processing working on a shot that ended up being a waste of time (although one could argue practiced by PP skills).

You've come a long way over the past while in your photography; you do produce some really good work. You should concentrate on the shots you know have potential and will turn out well.

To help me, I've developed something I call my "5-second rule", and it's really quite simple. If it takes me more than 5 seconds to determine whether a shot is good enough to work on / keep, then I assume it isn't and go on to the next shot.

with my thinking it would have to be a 10 second rule. And I like this shot. Would it have been better with the head? Probably. But still and all it has feeling and I only took 4 shots. Admittedly i probably would have shot more but he slithered off.

Nevertheless I agree with you and how i do my shooting is changing. Now i will wander through the garden without the camera and see what catches the eye. I am shooting less (except when i get rare setups like the moths) and enjoying it more.

Brian

[bnnrcn]

Your guest seems to have very nice colors

[JBW]

Your guest seems to have very nice colors

he or she does. soft, subtle and nicely textured.

[just me]

I just absolute hate snakes........all of them sometimes I notice a brown snake in the garden, or on the driveway ( they are very poisonous ) and I am in a panic then, but best to let them alone, till they slitter away........

They are all over Adelaide in summer, even sometimes to be seen at the airport......grrrrrrr........

Griddi........

[JBW]

I just absolute hate snakes........all of them sometimes I notice a brown snake in the garden, or on the driveway ( they are very poisonous ) and I am in a panic then, but best to let them alone, till they slitter away........

They are all over Adelaide in summer, even sometimes to be seen at the airport......grrrrrrr........

Griddi........

we have some very beautiful ones here and a few deadly ones as well.