M&F - 1st Place

Gallery: EPA 2016Posted September 15, 2016809 views17 comments

500mm Rattler

I strongly suggest NOT laying a big lens with deep hood on the ground when using another lens!
To this Western Diamondback, it looked like a nice, cool, dark place to hide and rest.

Yes, this was MY 500 he chose...

Please see LARGE version for correct colours and detail.

Texas
D800
300mm (500mm lens already in use, LOL)
1/200 sec, f/8
Mode: Av
Metering: Spot
ISO: 400
AF mode: AF-C
White balance: AUTO1+2
Flash: Off

Comments

17 comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on September 15, 2016 at 3:24 PM

Hey Sandy,
This is a perfect example of the old adage - "Once Bitten - Twice Remembered"
Excellent all round image, unique and technically perfect.
Well done . . . laugh

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Williams on September 15, 2016 at 6:10 PM

Yikes!!! It really makes me nervous to think that someone may be holding that up to get the perfect angle. Nice BG, and great specs on this Sandy. Aigh yigh yigh...

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on September 15, 2016 at 6:45 PM

Ed, he wasn't particularly perturbed at being moved, so we did get a few shots.
However, he DID get perturbed when another guy poked a selfie-stick at him..

I will post THAT shot next week.

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on September 15, 2016 at 10:13 PM

Wow--this is a Western diamondback which is one of the more feisty rattlesnake species. I like the composition and a great story. Large version is very nice and this one fit perfectly in your lens devil

...........................Jim

Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments

Comment posted by Jake Alletson on September 16, 2016 at 12:12 AM

I think that this is taking close-ups and macro to extremes.

Registered on May 3, 2016, 12 Posts, 163 Comments

Comment posted by Harry Harris on September 16, 2016 at 1:24 AM

What a great image. I take it you did get your gear back! lol

Registered on August 2, 2010, 169 Posts, 741 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Gavin on September 16, 2016 at 2:29 PM

Did you take any photos of the rattler face on into the 500mm? Categorically, a winner (at least I think so.)

Registered on August 14, 2008, 293 Posts, 1250 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on September 16, 2016 at 6:21 PM

Jim, you mean like THIS? crying

I have about 50 pix of this critter, and will post others as time goes on.

Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Lane on September 18, 2016 at 2:46 PM

I might have to buy a new hood! And I like snakes.

Wow on the experience and the shot.

Be careful out there. :-)

Registered on August 13, 2009, 15 Posts, 51 Comments

Comment posted by Kathy Barnhart on September 21, 2016 at 4:35 PM

Very cool story and shots go with it. Love the forked tongue on this image and the generally cosy look of the additional pic.
Glad you stayed safe!

Registered on November 11, 2011, 404 Posts, 1639 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Gavin on September 21, 2016 at 7:58 PM

Sandy, Exactly like that!

Registered on August 14, 2008, 293 Posts, 1250 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on September 24, 2016 at 12:13 PM

An incredible find in the most unlikely of places
Sandy. Good that you weren't harmed, and congrats on the WP.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on October 15, 2016 at 12:01 PM

I can't believe I missed this when you posted it. An amazing photo and memorable experience.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel & Loana on January 16, 2017 at 4:27 PM

Wonderful shot, Sandy.
Congrats
D&L

Registered on October 7, 2008, 166 Posts, 3044 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on January 17, 2017 at 11:46 AM

Congrats!

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by gary phillips on January 18, 2017 at 12:22 AM

Excellent image and story, Sandy. Love that little fellow. I have come across 3 rattle snakes this summer, none nearly as accommodating as this guy. Beautifully done, congratulations.

Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments

Comment posted by gary phillips on January 18, 2017 at 12:22 AM

Excellent image and story, Sandy. Love that little fellow. I have come across 3 rattle snakes this summer, none nearly as accommodating as this guy. Beautifully done, congratulations.

Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments