Kyle Gillis
February 2025 - Ball Python
Original
About the Image(s)
This ball python was on display outside its enclosure at the Living Desert Zoo. It took several tries at cropping for me to realize that using the rule of thirds for head placement would work well, especially with the long diagonal leading up to the head.
I used Topaz to denoise the picture, creating smoother bokeh in the upper right. I toned down the two areas of bright light below the python to dull the distraction.
The aperture was 7.1, which kept the python in focus while blurring the background trees, which were fairly distant. The shutter speed was 1/1900 with ISO 1000. I didn't intentionally shoot with these settings. A slower shutter speed could have been used with a lower offsetting ISO.
4 comments posted
Kyle,
I like your crop. Everything seems in focus. Lots of interesting patterns, contrast, and texture. Good catch getting the tongue out. Posted: 02/07/2025 22:28:24
I like your crop. Everything seems in focus. Lots of interesting patterns, contrast, and texture. Good catch getting the tongue out. Posted: 02/07/2025 22:28:24
Denny Curry
Cool photo! I agree with Dean on the crop. I have a Gila monster photo that I may post sometime. It took several shots to get the tongue out and just right! Great looking snake! Posted: 02/11/2025 13:37:09
Kyle, this is a really good photo! Your crop is excellent, and showing the snake close-up improves the photo. It could definately be entered in an exhibit or contest just as you have it. Posted: 02/20/2025 17:07:19
Diana Edelman
Kyle, The crop is really effective and changes the photo into one that concentrates directly on the snake while still retaining its being perched on a tree branch, as it would do in the wild. You do not need all the coils present as in the original; it still produces a wow factor with the scales, multi-colored patterns, the visible eye, and protruding tongue. Posted: 02/21/2025 00:04:03