His Hisss....My Camera's Love...

His Hisss....My Camera's Love..., a photo by Captain Suresh on Flickr.

© CAPT SURESH SHARMA. All Rights Reserved.

PRINTS OF THIS IMAGE ARE AVAILABLE ON PHOTO PAPER AND CANVAS


Snakes, though are the most dreaded and despised animals on planet, but still invoke unusual curiosity amongst all of all us. Almost all nature photographers dream to photograph snakes, as much as they love to photograph tigers. Its easy to shoot tigers with your cameras, but snakes are a slightly different game. Rules of the game, are simple, if followed religiously. We need to understand them and respect, follow strict discipline.

My mission, in life is to do `nature conservation’ through my camera and its results. I will let the images speak. I am trying to bridge the gap with my photographs and learning everyday.

Snakes are considered by many as perhaps the most dreadful of all animals on the planet. In reality, they are more scared of you than you are of them. In India, snakes are part of our mythology, yet, the first reaction on seeing a snake for many is panic, fear and thoughts to exterminate it. Fear of snakes prevails due to the ignorance of these useful creatures. Lack of basic knowledge about snakes leads to `fear of the unknown' and then panic, which further leads to disastrous results.

Though sometimes dangerous, snakes can be useful. Snakes play significant environmental role in the fragile ecosystem, also play equally important role in agriculture and the medical field. They control the population of harmful rodents and pests, thus helping farmers. Snakes, like any other living being, too have right to live on this planet.

Snakes do not go looking for people to bite, neither have evolved only to kill humans. Moreover, snakebite also is like any other accident, which can be prevented by being careful and learning about the subject. If we are sensible, we can avoid getting bitten by snakes. They are just like a live naked electrical wire, safe, if one maintains distance.

I love spending hours with my camera in front of snakes and they never disappoint me as my models for photo-session.


ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPH : Its a rescued Russell's Viper. All the snakes rescued by the The Snake Cell , have to `fire the ramp' with their sexy winding gait at our studio, before they are sent `home' to enjoy their own life, the way they like.

These models are managed by my wife Dr Rajbir Kaur , in front of my camera. Never try photographing venomous snakes alone.

Used Elinchrom strobes and Canon 50 D and 180 mm L series Macro.

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Snake Cell is more focused now!

Snake Cell - more focused now!, a photo by Captain Suresh on Flickr.

I am not sure if I have shared this with you all that The Snake Cell has suspended its snake rescue operation in this region, its been one year now. There have been many reasons, I can share some with you – one I have finished with my research, second the negative and discouraging attitude of people in this part of the country. Third one, there is a snake rescue effort organised by someone else who makes a livelihood out of it, I am very happy that it is supporting someone. I used to do it free, so to support the effort of his gentleman, I have stopped the rescue of snakes now. The Snake Cell has remained self-funded for 13 years for its operations. It will continue to educate people about the snakes and snakebite, which has been the main mission eversince its inception. I have never been in favour of getting it a tag of an NGO, most of you know what most NGOs are doing in India.

The Snake Cell has significant achievements to its credit in these 13 years. And not interested to be decorated with any rewards and awards for its work. We do it for our own satisfaction and happiness, which has no price tag. First achievement, it brought a serious change in the attitude of the press about snakes and snake related stories in this region at least. Before the Snake Cell, the press in the region had only spicy, scary and baseless stories to write about snakes and it made humans despise snakes more. Now, they all do fruitful stories, almost every major newspaper writes one or two serious articles about snakes every season, which are useful for people to understand these wonderful creatures. No one can deny this claim of bringing such a great change, now press will spread (ONLY) good words about snakes and snakebite.

In personal capacity and as team leader of the Snake Cell, I shall continue to spread good things about snakes and their beauty through my humble effort of snake photography. I feel that a good snake photograph does help in bridging the gap between humans and snakes. I am trying hard to do some good photos, I am sure with time and practice, this skill shall be honed well and I'll bring out some meaningful photos.

Undoubtedly, the Snake Cell has added a new chapter in the natural history scenario of the region.


INFO ABOUT THIS PHOTO:

Name of the Snake : Striped Keelback (baby). Rescued from a house.

Photographed under Elinchrome Strobes. Softbox, snoot, grid were used.

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