No real need to use tongs unless 'catching' an animal near the entrance of a stumphole, rocky crevice, or other situation were the snake can get away quickly. Tongs are a safety risk to the snake, as I've seen numerous tong related injuries from DENR personnel and private keepers that are not truly experienced with them.

Snake hooks are all anyone needs. Take two, might be easier to manipulate them for a photo. In my experience photographing rattlesnakes is easy, they basically pose for you. In-situ (otherwise known as undistrubed) shots are often the best, as they do not require the risk of a bite, nor the stress to the rattlesnake. In many cases these in-situ photographs come out better; more natural poses or they highlight interesting behavior and habitat features.

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Hide Replies ]