Posted by Ben Shuman on February 17, 2007 at 2:11 PM
I'm going to soon be starting a research project on timber rattlesnakes. I'll be using photographs to document various aspects of rattlesnake morphology.
Many times the snake will be in a rock crevice and have very little light. However, I've found (as demonstrated in the above picture) that the iris of the rattlesnake is quick enough to close from the flash of a strobe light. I'd like a more natural pupil for many of my images.
Any advice on how to toss some more subtle light in a dark hole without disturbing the snakes?
I'd be inclined to try reflectors if a flash won't cut it. Fortunately snakes are pretty much locked in place if they're back in a crevice, so speed may not be an issue. In deep timber with lots of shade, I'd mount the strobe on a cable and direct it into the reflector in order to increase the "size" of your light source and thereby get back to a more natural appearance. If you were using a strobe bracket, it would probably be possible to reverse the strobe head and tape a 12" Light Disc behind the strobe in order to do the same thing while freeing your hands.
Posted by Alan Olander on February 17, 2007 at 3:58 PM
You don't mention your equipment or technique, but if your flash uses a pre-flash for TTL exposure, the snake may be reacting to that. There are methods to eliminate the pre-flash, if that is what's happening.
Posted by Kent Staubus on February 17, 2007 at 7:11 PM
A big MiniMag flashlight won't do what you want? Just get an assistant to hold it.
Lots of good ideas all ready offered above but I'll add my two cents. I'd try Kent's idea first, if you can rig up a flashlight to illuminate them in their den their eyes should acclimate and their pupils widen up a bit. You might need to decrease the output of the light with some tissuepaper or some such diffuser.
I've had some luck with snakes by either: Bouncing the light either off a ceiling/using a Sto-Fen diffuser; or, with some species, if you continue to take enough photos their pupils will eventually relax enough to get the look you want (easy if you're digital, potentially expensive if you're not).
If you've got a tripod, and can get it into place to shoot, try a longer exposure. If the snake is relaxed, and you're slow, they typically hold very still.
Discussion
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Many times the snake will be in a rock crevice and have very little light. However, I've found (as demonstrated in the above picture) that the iris of the rattlesnake is quick enough to close from the flash of a strobe light. I'd like a more natural pupil for many of my images.
Any advice on how to toss some more subtle light in a dark hole without disturbing the snakes?
Kent in SD
Lots of good ideas all ready offered above but I'll add my two cents. I'd try Kent's idea first, if you can rig up a flashlight to illuminate them in their den their eyes should acclimate and their pupils widen up a bit. You might need to decrease the output of the light with some tissuepaper or some such diffuser.
I've had some luck with snakes by either: Bouncing the light either off a ceiling/using a Sto-Fen diffuser; or, with some species, if you continue to take enough photos their pupils will eventually relax enough to get the look you want (easy if you're digital, potentially expensive if you're not).
If you've got a tripod, and can get it into place to shoot, try a longer exposure. If the snake is relaxed, and you're slow, they typically hold very still.
Good luck, and be careful,
Alex