Photographing Snakes

Yesterday, I mentioned the challenge of photographing snakes. This morning one of our guest saw a baby rattlesnake on our property (which isn't that unusual this time of the year). She said it was coiled with the coil about 5 inches in diameter, which would make it a very young snake (body the diameter of a pencil). I thought I would show a couple of snake photos showing the challenge. All are Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes:

Here in the first case, the snake is stretch out and on the move (you can click on the photo to enlarge). Obviously it is difficult to get close enough for good detail and still have the entire snake in the photo. 

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake take on our property

 In the following case, the snake is curled, allowing for nice detail:

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake taken in the Trigo Mountains, Arizona

 And, in the last case, the snake is coiled, again allowing for nice detail:

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake taken in Saguaro National Park

So, if you want a good photo of a  Rattlesnake it is best if they are curled or coiled. Of course, that also happens to be a defensive position giving them maximum striking range. And, as Christine always admonishes me, is it worth a photo?? Respect is the essential or key word --- as it is in photographing bears.