In honor of the start of the Year of the Snake in the Chinese calendar, I thought I'd write about a shoot I did recently with these fabulous creatures.
Mount Holyoke College's Pagan and Wiccan Collective brought Serpentessa to the College for an event called "Serpents in the Labyrinth." The opportunity to work with the "21st Century Snake Priestess" was irresistible. Participants received an orientation outlining respectful handling the snakes, walked the labyrinth with the snakes, and were led in meditation while draped in snakes. We were invited to do a photo shoot in the last hour of the 5 hour event.
Because the shoot was just for fun, I didn't bring my lights—something I regretted upon entering the room. Aside from helping dramatically in the poorly-lit room, the snakes probably would have appreciated the lights' warmth.
Because the shoot was just for fun, I didn't bring my lights—something I regretted upon entering the room. Aside from helping dramatically in the poorly-lit room, the snakes probably would have appreciated the lights' warmth.
A snake "crowning" a participant, and also heading straight for my camera.
The general agreement among participants was that the event was "a once in a lifetime experience." For me, I hope it isn't the only time I get to shoot snakes. Though the overall vibe in the room was a gentle and peaceful one, the attention of a snake is something not easily forgotten. At one instance, a boa made right for the camera. Although I'm neither unfamiliar with nor afraid of snakes, the experience was unnerving.
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