Model & Snake Shoot
Shooting with a snake is nothing new and probably one of the shoots that I have never been excited about because I simply felt the concept needed more thought, more props, more of something. Ive simply seen it done too many times. However this time I decided to give it a try. I had the beautiful model Shannon Walker with from Diamond Class Agency and the owner happened to have a beautiful snake. The snake named “Queen” which is a ball python and it was very calm, no cage or anything was needed. Even after sitting her down on the counter she just looked around checking things out instead of slithering off.

The set up for the shoot was simple. First was a solid black background, followed by a simple white on white look showing a little skin using a white still that I salvaged and painted from Goodwill. Capturing the beauty of the model with the edgy hair style with reptile completed the look I was aiming for.
As expected she was a little hesitate at first but we got the job done!
A few tip when shooting with snakes.
- Snakes don’t like to be in cool environments.
- Avoid bringing snakes into a shoot with a model that’s terrified of them. Snakes react to movement and my become irritated or feel threaten by fearful movement.
- Make sure you have a handler that is knows the snake very well. Never go buy a snake that you have no experience with for a photo shoot.
- Lastly don’t tease the model as I did in the video. If you see your subject starting to panic or become frighten have the snake removed so they can gather themselves.

Photo shoot with Shannan and Queen the snake from Diamond Class Promotions Agency.
Todd Youngblood Photography studio in Charlotte NC, NODA art district. Ready travel anywhere. Book your shoot with Todd Youngblood 704-712-2392.