Some people speak figuratively about a “snake in the grass,” but that is literally what I encountered last Friday at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia. The Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) was moving about in a grass patch at the edge of a small stream when I first spotted it.
When the snake raised its head to look around, I got down low and moved closer. How close was I? I was using a relatively long macro lens, which makes it look like I was closer than I actually was, but I was close enough that you can see my reflection in the snake’s eye. The second image image is merely a cropped version of the first image that lets you focus more closely on the eye.
Photographically, though, I prefer the first image. I like the way that I was able to capture blurry grass in both the foreground and the background. The rocky area at the bottom of the image helps to ground the snake and provides a sense of the environment.
I recognize that some people find snakes to be creepy, but I am fascinated by them. It was interesting to note that as I was moving closer to the snake when I saw it, others were moving farther away from it.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Not a good practice where I am unless 100% sure of the critter LOL. Really great shots.
Mike, what amazing captures! I hope you submit some of your pics to your area conservation magazines.
Thanks. The wildlife refuge where I take a lot of my photos has used a couple of them on their website. I haven’t submitted my images to any magazines, but may look and see what opportunities exist in that area.
You’re welcome. That’s wonderful!
What a shot! Thanks for sharing 🙂
What a fabulous shot, Mike. I love that is is a self-portrait in a snake’s eye.
It is cool to get that kind of selfie, though I must admit that I was paying a lot of the attention to the snake and was ready to jump back if it made the slightest movement in my direction.
Very nice photograph, Mike!
Snakes are like any other wild animal and will flee in the face of a threat most of the time. Our Cottonmouth Moccasins, however, are not to be trusted. (The voice of experience.)
Thanks, Wally. The only one I have to really keep an eye out for in my area is the copperhead. I have only encountered one once, but that was enough for me to know that I want to keep my distance. I don’t think we have cottonmouths here, but I am cautious about any snake that I see swimming in the water.
How fortunate that it didn’t perceive your proximity as a threat. A very nice reward for your patience.
I enjoyed this fantastic photo, Mike, and fun to see you in the second image. I smiled at your experience in photographing it, too.
I am a little crazy at time, Jet, but that helps me get some cool photos. I am glad that you enjoyed my little narrative–I love trying to give readers a sense of what I am feeling as I go about and take photos.