I think one of the reasons you think your photos are bad is because of where the camera is focusing. The ONLY reason I've been able to get any decent shots at all is because my boyfriend has a nice big fancy camera that has a lot of manual adjustments, but MOST IMPORTANTLY: MANUAL FOCUS. All cameras automatically focus on the center of the object in the little dots of the viewfinder. With long 'objects', like snakes, the head is blurry while the spots a few inches down are in sharp focus. Try taking pictures from the top (i know, not very attractive), as in these the entire snake will be in focus, not just the middle of it.

The most important feature to get accurate color is lighting. I've found that natural light usually works best, though indirect light is necessary. Nocturnal Tom on the Kingsnake forum prefers overcast days outside, but I can't work a camera and wrangle a snake in separate hands very well so I found a way around it. I wait until early afternoon on a bright day and go into my living room (which has west-facing windows) and take pictures on the floor, because the light is bright, but indirect.

Hope these little tips from an inexperienced photographer help!

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