The serpent reflects

[Tom Barry]

Ribbon snake at a pond, waiting patiently for breakfast:
Ribbon snake by tombarry975, on Flickr

[billtils]

Lovely colours and good handling of what I suspect would be shiny reflection from the skin. Out of interest - how far away were you?

[Tom Barry]

Thanks, Bill. According to EXIF info, I was 2.28 meters away, which seems about right, though I've found the EXIF distance is sometimes wildly inaccurate. To get the viewpoint I wanted, I had to stand behind the far raised rock edge of the pond. I was using the dandy little EF-S 55-250mm IS zoom at full extension. This "entry-level" lightweight lens is easy on my old back (and wallet) but has surprisingly good optics.

[billtils]

I see it is non-venemous but I'd still prefer to keep well back! And poisonous or not, it's a good image.

[Tom Barry]

Thanks, Bill.

[John 2]

The image I like, the snake...….… Nice shot.

[Tom Barry]

Thanks, John2. I have never had an aversion to snakes, but I won't even show a photo of one to my wife! She freaks big time.

[Ziggy]

Enjoyed viewing.

[Shadowman]

Nice one.

[Tom Barry]

Thanks, Jim and John.

[skitterbug]

Hi Tom - I enjoy looking at this picture because the snake actually seems to have a personality. It is busy watching the water for something to eat and it is intense. I don't mind snakes so long as they don't startle me. When I become "excited" is when I almost step on one! <yikes> Once I see the snake, know what type it is and where it is headed, I am fine.

Your photo is well done! Sharp and clear and definitely interesting!

[ST1]

Nice work Tom, great image

[FootLoose]

I don't like snakes, but that is a good composition. Well done, Tom.

[JBW]

Thanks, John2. I have never had an aversion to snakes, but I won't even show a photo of one to my wife! She freaks big time.

Mine too. Excellent shot.

[ucci]

Very nice capture, damned horrible subject choice though! Biased? Darned tootin', as someone once said. When you have 8 out of the 10 deadliest snakes in the world, playing host to the first 4 on the list, 'joe blakes' do not rank all that high on Ozzie's favourite wild life list.