Total judging points: 27
Judge's Comments:
1. Compliments to this photographer for noticing this black rat snake. The low perspective highlights the snake and makes it more interesting than a "record" shot of the whole snake from eye level. A judging point for most wildlife images is that the image includes highlights in the eye(s) of the animal. (Given the lighting on the challenge day, this judging point might not have been possible (small indirect flash?)..., but it remains a judging point.)
2. This is a beautifully executed shot. The snake’s eye is nice and sharp and the lighting contrast is well-controlled with nothing blocked up or blown out. I also like that the snake and the stick are on a diagonal, which lends a sense of movement and energy to the shot. If it were possible to do so while keeping the image “authentic,” I would like to see the snake’s eye stand out a bit more. Perhaps just a touch of dodging (brightening) would do the trick. A great image, nonetheless.