Photography: The Most Beautiful Snakes In The World

I’ve been finding some really neat photography lately, and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite topics to write about. When I saw this series of photographs called “Serpent Still Lifes,” I was mesmerized. How could a photographer get so close to so many live snakes and take such interesting shots? What is that process like?

These particular photographs, which can be found on National Geographic, were taken by photographer Guido Mocafico. His goal with this series was not to take the best photographs or to capture the best colors. His goal was instead to explore that crossroads of human emotions when we see an animal that both frightens and fascinates us.

Through this work, he has learned to face his own fears about snakes. Each photography session takes around 45 minutes. You can’t see it in these pictures, but the snakes are in a clear plastic-sided box. Guido stands about two feet above the box to take the pictures. Although he has learned a lot about snakes in the process, he says that he’s learned more from watching the way people react when they are close to them. In the photographs below, you will see many different snake species including Western Green Mambas, Bush Vipers, Copperheads, California King Snakes, Rhinoceros Rat Snakes, Boa Constrictor Imperators, Pythons and many more. These photographs are so stunning to me. I think I’m going to unofficially declare these the most beautiful snakes in the world.

Via: [Neatorama]