Photography tips?

[Klinger]

My seven foot VBB is very difficult to take decent pictures of single-handed, does anyone have tips on taking better pictures of fast snakes? I just don't trust him without a hand nearby, he is quick. Are there any tactics to taking "posed" shots?

[dannybgoode]

Just a flash so you can freeze the action? What camera are you using?

[Tsubaki]

Take a LOT of pictures, sort out only the good ones. Take pictures in the enclosure if they're too fast when out, i can not take pictures of my tiger retic outside her enclosure alone any more. She is too fast and i need 2 hands. :) Or if you're patient enough, you could see if it eventually calms down enough.

[Nightflight99]

The key to photographing agile snakes is to wear them out first: take him into a large room and let him try to get away from you, then "recapture" him and start over. The larger the snake, the faster they will wear out. After a few minutes (the amount of time will vary, so be patient), you will find that the snake is running a lot less and coiling defensively a lot more. Once that state is reached, you usually have a few minutes to take pictures before the snake is rested enough to start running again.

Also, 80% of a picture is in the lighting, so make sure that you are ready for the shot when the snake is. Ideally, have a corner set up with a background of choice and proper lighting, and make certain that you don't have to play with the camera settings when the snake is finally sitting still.

[dannybgoode]

Also, 80% of a picture is in the lighting, so make sure that you are ready for the shot when the snake is.

Now where have I read that before ;). Quite agree though. I'm still gearing up for a first proper photo shoot for Aunty Rachel but events keep conspiring against me!

Maybe tomorrow when I clean her out as she is really coming on nicely.

[Nightflight99]

Now where have I read that before ;).
Only in every photography forum, although I'm tempted to increase that arbitrary number to 90%. :D

[dannybgoode]

I think it should be reduced to 65-70% :). It is very important though and useful I suppose to attach a number to it for illustrative purposes.

[Klinger]

Thanks for all the advice! Today I was able to let the snake sit hands free for the better part of half an hour, and took a few shots(I'll post them soon). He gets nervous about the camera for some reason, not sure why that is. Snakes are odd little critters.