We came across a big African Python in an area called Dol Dol, it was massive (over 20ft) and guess who wanted to go and get it for a photo?

Yogi.

I have taken lots (hundreds) of pics of Adders.
Here's one of them.    

Here's one of a Grass Snake.    

Macro shot.    

It is worth bearing in mind that Adders are slaves too habit. If you scare one off, stand still for a few minutes and 9 times out of 10, they will come back to the same spot. This holds especially true in the spring, when they are still using the hibernacula as a night refuge. at this time of year they will not stray more than a few feet from the entrance and can be seen in groups of (mostly) males.

I would always advise photographing snakes in the spring. They are much easier to spot and they are more reluctant to flee when disturbed. A warmer snake is always a faster snake!
Grass Snakes like it much warmer than Adders. If I'm looking for Grass Snakes then I usually go out in the summer on a bright hot sunny day. If I'm looking for Adders then I go out early on a mild day especially if its hazy sunshine or semi-cloudy.
With snakes being 'technically' deaf it is far more important to tread very softly as you approach them as oppose to just being quiet. They'll pick up on the slightest of vibrations. It's also a good idea to be upwind of them as their sense of smell is fantastic. With this in mind in might be an idea not to wear heavily scented deodorant too. Adders are far easier to photograph than Grass Snakes. A Grass Snake has no real form of defence so its reaction is always to flee. More often than not, when basking out in the sun the Grass Snake will often have its head out of sight and ready to make its escape.
I've spent a lot of time photographing British snakes in the wild and yet when I saw two adult Grass Snakes last week basking openly, I was unable to photograph either of them before they disappeared into the reeds and out of sight. It is frustrating but still better than not being able to find any snakes at all!





Please check out my snake photos here:
http://jasonsteelwildlifephotography.yol...adders.php

Regards,
Jason

This post was last modified: 13-08-2010 04:44 PM by JaySteel.