Feeling Blue

Artist: ECGardner
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Card: US$3.85
Print: from US$19.24

Feeling Blue

This is an irked bluestripe garter snake giving me his death glare. See, we aren’t supposed to have this species of snake in my area (Gainesville, Florida), which meant that I just had to capture him for a few photos. To get to him, I had to lunge into cattails and grasses by a pond (nevermind that I nearly fell in) and grab him and pull him out. Understandably, he wasn’t happy about this, and he let me know by biting me. Repeatedly. So I crouched on the ground with the snake in my one bloody hand and my camera in the other and took some photos. This one I think came out the best, as it shows his serious (and justified!) annoyance at me. It was a great experience on the whole, and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. :)

100% of the profits from the sale of my work featuring reptiles will be donated to Wildlife Warriors Worldwide in honor of Steve Irwin who educated the world about these amazing creatures.

Feeling Blue belongs to the following groups:

Animal Kingdom, Art for Conservation, Florida!, Natural Developments and Reptiles and Amphibians

Torfinn Johann..., 10 months ago

Fantastic shot! Great colours, details, and DOF. Well done!
Lizzie Keitel, 10 months ago

excellent capture!
honey, 10 months ago

Well done!! Beautiful shot!!
David Cortez, 10 months ago

wonderful shot.. i love it
RonniLeigh, 10 months ago

I am scared to death of snakes and I have a huge respect for them. I do see the beauty in most living things and this is another example of beauty.
aries67, 10 months ago

I think I much prefer captive specimens! Unluckily for me almost any snake I might try to capture here will be highly venomous (Australia has an incredibly high percentage of elapids). Keeping reptiles is very new to Western Australia so much of the (non-venomous) stock sold in pet shops is wild caught anyway. I will have to get my baby out now that she’s feeding again and let her wander in the sun and take a few pics…..
TANYA WILLIAMS, 10 months ago

NICE CAPTURE! WOW!
Helene Kippert, 10 months ago

Great shot – I loved the story too!
Jeff Burns, 10 months ago

Stunning capture. Perfect framing.
sophbubble, 10 months ago

beauty in anger!
Dharna, 10 months ago

Fantastic Shot. Love your story on how you got this picture.
David White, 10 months ago

wow whata shot , feels very intence , great framing
stooferdoofer, 10 months ago

Quality picture!
cdwork, 10 months ago

Perfect Shot
ECGardner, 10 months ago

Thank you all very much for the kind words. I really appreciate the time you took to comment. :)
purplephotography, 10 months ago

Well done. Lovely colours and may have to bye a photo off you!!
MtnMan, 10 months ago

A beautiful snake.
Susan Trigg, 10 months ago

Well done – I love to hear the story behind photos, and this one didn’t disappoint :D Lovely image, so I think it was worth the trouble!
ECGardner, 10 months ago

Thank you Emily, MtnMan, and Susan, for the lovely comments. Susan, I always love to hear the stories behind the photos as well. :)
Rowan, 10 months ago

I also think it was worth it, but then again, I wasn’t the one that got bitten. Very amazing capture!
Dyle Warren, 10 months ago

Amazing colors…what a glare! Good thing it wasn’t a coral snake!
Helen Bascom KMA, 10 months ago

And I thought I was brave by facing pissed off spiders! This is a marvelous shot. You can really feel his anger toward you. Good job.
lance leopold, 9 months ago

Fab focus and capture!!!
Glenda Jones, 9 months ago

Great effort. Well worth it though. The detail is exquisite.
Derivatix, 8 months ago

great shot! And what pain you went through to get it, a real pro!
Cheri McEachin, 8 months ago

WOW – I just love this shot
Mark Peterson, 8 months ago

Nice capture!
Ché Ballard, 8 months ago

Amazing shot. Great detail and DOF. He definitely looks peeved!
IngerMargrete, 7 months ago

Excellent shot. The angle, with the direct stare is wonderful!! Great work:)
Rachel Fentiman, 6 months ago

Very corageous story! And what a stunning capture. You go girl!
dinghysailor1, 6 months ago

so he s a little bit cranky!! brave capture!! great image!!
jsjones, 5 months ago

Love it. Just fantastic. I need to revisit the potential bluestripe I caught. I have some photos, but never really convinced myself that it was in fact a bluestripe. Perhaps…? (I’d like to think so!)

This is a classic composition/pose. The “Death Glare” should probably be trademarked, by the way…
Bandicoot, 5 months ago

Love this shot. Great colours on these snakes.
William Jackso..., 5 months ago

Atta girl! You’re a badass! Snakes are definatley mistaken for evil creatures…Most likely thanks to religion and other b.s.(sry don’t mena to offend anyone)...anyways, we have two red-tailed boas and a carpet python and they’re flippin awesome! they even like to cuddle and watch a movie from time to time…...great shot! high5 for what yo went through to get it….
Sam Frysteen, 5 months ago

you are braver than I… even if I had a 1000mm lens I wouldn’t of been able to get this close – well done.
Lyuda, 5 months ago

What a gorgeous creature!! Superb shot!!
Judi Taylor, 4 months ago

Death stare works for me … I would leave him alone. Great shot!
Mark Gardner, 4 months ago

wonderful capture, very brave too, sometimes the more difficult the subject the more determined we are to get a great shot, and you did !!!
Paul Scarsella, 4 months ago

excellent capture!
Puffling, 4 months ago

Wow!!!!!
andreasphoto, 4 months ago

great animal portraits, congrats
scooby29, 4 months ago

I love this shot-I love the colours.
ferndesign, 4 months ago

wow what an awesome capture just keep it away from me hehe
Jay Ryser, 4 months ago

That’s what I would call dedication to your art. Great shot.
LindaR, 4 months ago

stunning capture ~ great colors! brave you are :)
Michele Duncan..., 4 months ago

Excellent shot. After reading your story. We should call you Steve Erwin with a camera! The female Steve!
Rany Lutz, 4 months ago

Perfect capture!!
Tainia Finlay, 4 months ago

An amazing image, you are so brave too :D Great capture
mmills3080, 4 months ago

wonderful capture, I would not be able to get these shots as I am freaked out by snakes, but you did an awesome job!
KEITH R. WILL..., 4 months ago

whoa it stikes out at ya
Jim Phillips, 4 months ago

This is exactly why I’m a painter. Great shot and the colors are fantastic!
edlogsdon, 4 months ago

super closeup great detail and colors. well done.
Dennis Gay IPA, 4 months ago

G’day EC,

A marvellous photograph of this beautiful serpent and an equally marvellous story behind its creation.
Very good use of depth of field and a lovely sharp focus combine with a good composition, great light and exposure and lovely natural colours.
Great work and a sterling effort!

GB
Dennis
Steve Axford, 4 months ago

This is a good snake photo and the story makes it into something special. The thought of having an angry snake bite me as I drag it out of the bushes gives my the shivers. I have never seen a non poisonous snake in the wild near where I live and I have seen lots of snakes.
Chinedu Diala, 4 months ago

wow…u r a diehard photographer…to go through all that just for a picture…I respect u and this is definitely a great picture…
Steven Sass, 4 months ago

excellent shot. A bout time that someone else will get in the bushes to chase reptiles!!!!
AnnM, 4 months ago

What an amazing shot. Well done. Steve would be proud of you. Crikey :D She’s a little beauty isnt she :D
Carlos Teófilo, 4 months ago

Supwerb capture EC.
doorfrontphotos, 4 months ago

Beautiful shot and love reading about your dedication to get this picture. Most of the snakes we have around here are rattlers so I don’t think I’ll try your methods!! Remember too that the world loved Steve and all he did and what his wife and daughter are still doing.
Mundy Hackett, 4 months ago

Erin I love the colors and look on this snake!
ECGardner in reply to AnnM’s comment, 4 months ago

Lol, thank you Ann. You have no idea how many times I’ve caught myself saying that, as well as “Gorgeous!” Even my three-year old daughter says it now. :P
ECGardner, 4 months ago

Thanks so much to all who have commented. :) This remains a favorite of mine simply because the snake was just so fantastic. I had never seen a garter snake that angry before and haven’t seen one since! (For those who aren’t familiar with snakes, garter snakes are known for being fairly easy-going and tame; clearly this garter hadn’t heard about any of this, though.)
ApeArt, 4 months ago

wow nice colours too
Gerguppy, 4 months ago

simply beautiful and really captures the a creature and its beauty :)
Maxhamish, 4 months ago

Glorious clarity…Fantastic….
Carmen Mandel-..., 4 months ago

A most beautiful face you have captured, Erin, in sheer blue patterns. Thank you for adding this beautiful individual along your personal pledge to Art for Conservation.
Jeff Burns, 4 months ago

incredible shot
Helen Bascom KMA, 4 months ago

Outstanding shot. The DoF is perfect and his gaze is mesmerizing.
IngerMargrete, 4 months ago

Amazing shot. You really had to work to get shots of this one:) We do not have snakes here at all, except for one sort – Vipera berus. I have never seen one though.
IngerMargrete, 4 months ago

Sometimes I comment several times, but this really is a great shot:) So it is OK….
itsallgoodamanda, 4 months ago

your animal shots are outstanding ,all so wonderful ,i dont know what to comment on ,your on my favorites ,what a wonderful talent you are my friend ,and thank you for the lovely comments
Dave Sandersfeld, 4 months ago

Wonderful photowork; as wildlife rarely cooperates! your account of the adventure adds depth and a special meaning to this photo hard fought for and the snake went away unharmed. Your a professional
salsbells69, 4 months ago

The lengths and risks you went to get this image are obvious in your wonderful narrative~! Magnificent capture..and nothing short of daring! It just goes to show what a ‘real’ photographer will go through to take that one image that makes a difference and leaves you feeling satisfied. This image is one of those I reckon. Excellent detail and focus. Composistion is beautiful and the snake it self is nothing short of remarkabley beautiful.
Denzil, 4 months ago

Amazing! great shot, and terrific story. Better you than me though – we don’t have ‘easy-going’ snakes around our place – only really deadly ones! I wouldn’t be able to grab ANY snake, even if I knew it was nn-venomous.
I hate snakes, but this one is truly beautiful! Thanks for sharing him with us snake phobics:)
Mette Spange, 4 months ago

This photograph is just amazing! A photo that didn’t come easiely I can tell from your description!! Just astonishing effort!!! What a beautifull snake!!! You really have done an incredible job..it shows that the snake was “a bit” grumpy!!! WOW!!
Al Bourassa, 4 months ago

Wicked shot!!
Cathy Cavolo, 4 months ago

Wow, insane. What a fantastic shot. You really caught some big attitude there.
Henk Stolk, 4 months ago

super details and color, love it
wellman, 4 months ago

what dedication you show in getting these fabulous images – the results speak for themselves!
ZuzanaD, 4 months ago

wonderful shot! great colour in the snake!
Eric Greiff, 4 months ago

love the story and the shot… the fact that you bled for it is, uh… how would one say rather atractive…
wanda lechene, 4 months ago

amazing just amazing.
ECGardner in reply to Eric Greiff’s comment, 4 months ago

Lol, now that has got to be a first… Usually people just say I’m nuts (or stupid), but never attractive… But you know, losing a little blood here and there is just part of wildlife photography, especially with snakes, and some of my fondest photography experiences have involved a little blood shed. Ok, now you can go ahead and say I’m nuts (or stupid). :P
Eric Greiff, 4 months ago

Well, ok maybe a little nuts but definately not stupid from your detailed descriptions of the animals you shoot especially the snakes it is obvious you know what you are doing. I’m sure you would not have handled the creature if you didn’t. Besides where would the world be if there were not any people brave enough to be a little nuts. I guess nuts can be attractive too. Your work is amazing.
Daniel J. McCa..., 4 months ago

That’s quite a story. Dead-on focus. Super colors. Fantastic capture, well worth your efforts. Terrific work, EC!
Robert Elliott, 4 months ago

fantastic image, wonderful story !
F. Kevin Wyn..., 4 months ago

Just a little tip – stay away from the Sting Rays.
Lisa Putman, 4 months ago

Beauty of a shot, Erin! Great comp, color and details. Tack sharp! Nice reflective light quality!
Ash rebeltherace, 4 months ago

absolutely fantastic!
great use of focus
J Velasco, 4 months ago

You have a very good eye for photos.I love the color.beautiful shot
Rita H. Ireland, 4 months ago

Very awesome shot!
hilarydougill, 3 months ago

Wondrous capture, fantastic imagery, most wonderful colours and you certainly caught his vexed appearance. well done, but he could have killed you had he been venomous.
hector ortiz, 3 months ago

WOW…
Kate Towers IPA, 3 months ago

such an amzing shot
BarbBarcikKeith, 3 months ago

Awesome shot!!!
lisa1970, 3 months ago

”!Crikey what a beaut!” & not at all bad for one-handed shooting. Admire your dedication & I think the world over felt the loss of Steve. Terri’s book is the next on my shelf to read.
caroline caux-..., 3 months ago

amazing!
greenfrog153, 3 months ago

Stunning image ECGardner.
Mundy Hackett, 3 months ago

Congratulations on being the image of the month for March 2008 Erin in Natural Developments!
Dean Warwick, 3 months ago

Beautiful shot and congrats!
sweetscent62, 3 months ago

OMG.. Oh..and congratulations! : ) Wen xox
aambience, 3 months ago

Awesome!
Macky, 3 months ago

Congratulations!!!
Lisa Putman, 3 months ago

Congratulations on having the winning image for the Natural Developments group! I love this one to pieces, Erin!
Dennis Rubin IPA, 3 months ago

good capture, congratulations!
Brian Barnes, 3 months ago

Good God are you serious? Give me a tornado racing at me any day…but a snake? I think I’ll pass…. Awesome shot! Nice work.
kathywaldron, 3 months ago

love the clarity of this shot, superb work!
Robert Elliott, 3 months ago

congratulations, wonderful image
AnaCBStudio, 3 months ago

Excellent capture…I like the dof and details
amarica, 3 months ago

Gorgeous snake, well done
J.K. York, 3 months ago

i’d be pissed off and probably bite you too! but i know you take great care not to harm these creatures so he’ll get over it. very intense eye contact. well done Erin.
chriso, 3 months ago

Great capture here. I don’t know that I’d be handling snakes though, there mostly venomous around here and you may not live to tell the tale. Nice focus here of an angry snake!
Walter Quirtmair, 3 months ago

Great capture and very good composition. Your animal photos are a real inspiration.
frozenfa, 3 months ago

great capture! this is awesome..
OMG! u got bitten? is it not poisonous? man, you’re so brave.. to grab it etc.. O_O
Chase Carr-Br..., 3 months ago

outstanding u iz…. i was the snake and i’m happy w my shot, i look perfect… thanx darlin
MuscularTeeth, 3 months ago

amazing, outstanding, superb !
coppertrees, 3 months ago

Very Fine indeed.
Derek Dafoe, 2 months ago

I’m impressed!! Not many girls or guys I know would grab a snake!! Let alone let it bite them!! I’ve been bitten my share of times too by snakes!! You can tell by his flatten head in your shot, he’s pissed!! Great job on both the shot, and not letting him get away from the camera!!
Carla Jandelle..., 2 months ago

his inflated face just kills me! lol…....such beautiful snakes..wish they were more common in the states!
Shelley Heath, 2 months ago

Amazing photo, love the detail and clarity
David George, 2 months ago

I haven’t had a chance to look at this group much, but this is a really great shot. I have one of a eastern diamond back on the beach here in Florida, but I was not grabbing him. Very nicely done.
Lori Peters, 2 months ago

Scary and beautiful at the same time. You’re very brave. The snake has beautiful colors. I used to live near Tampa and I saw more snakes than I cared to. Nicely done.
JohnScott, 2 months ago

ssssssssss
AdamDonnelly, 2 months ago

Beautifully captured. Love the colours & your composition & the point of focus. Excellent shot & just reward for all your effort. Magnificent looking creature!
ShepS, 2 months ago

I love this – story and all – welldone for being so brave, the picture and the copius comments you have show how great the shot was – worth upsetting the odd snake – ??! Hows the hand!!
KellyThomas, 2 months ago

gorgeous, beautiful colour
Jocelyn Hyers, 2 months ago

absolutely breathtaking … detail and colouring are amazing …

quite an experience you had …
Ata Alishahi, 2 months ago

amazing shot :)
ADuDeWiDaCaMeRa, 2 months ago

nice stuff alot of species of snakes get a blue thing happening when there pissed off
he is a mighty fine specimen hope you didnt get to much ofa infection from the bite as they dont brush there fangs =]
Maya -, 2 months ago

Very amazing and beautiful photo! Were you OK after being bitten? What happened to this lovely snake?
Irish, 2 months ago

Fantastic Shot!
Violetmoonwater, 2 months ago

beautiful work. Thanks for sharing the story too.
iceeyes, about 1 month ago

I love its blue face and its eyes~
Jenni77, about 1 month ago

He’s beautiful! I love your story on how you got the pic…..amazing!
BLYTHART, about 1 month ago

I think snakes are fascinating creatures and this is no exception.
BLYTHART, about 1 month ago

I just read the description … you are very brave … did you need anti-venom injections afterwards?
JuneHolbrook, about 1 month ago

Beautiful!!
Gets my vote for the May entries
ECGardner in reply to BLYTHART’s comment, about 1 month ago

Hi Blythart, no no antivenin was necessary, as garter snakes are nonvenomous. They do have a mildly toxic saliva that causes some people to swell in the area of the bite, but they are for the most part harmless. :)
BLYTHART, about 1 month ago

I still think you are brave though :)
amarica, about 1 month ago

Stunning capture, love the clarity, composition and color. Perfect focus
Larry Varley, 23 days ago

great shot, that is dedication to your work!!
John Quinn, 23 days ago

Magnificent looking photo. He has a real “dont mess with me look” about him.
Michael Oubridge, 22 days ago

Fantastic capture in more ways than one :) A good job you know your snakes
Stephen Chapple, 21 days ago

So bold, stunning image and perfect DOF!
David Cortez, 19 days ago

What an amazing shot…. I could never do it though
SNAPPYDAVE, 15 days ago

beautiful … your cool with animal shots my friend … love your work
Natalie Broome, 12 days ago

fantastic capture!
Loreto Bautist..., 11 days ago

Awesome!!! Great details & DOF. Worth all the trouble you’ve encountered in taking a shot at it.
cml16744, 6 days ago

Great shot, although maybe a little scary. Yep Id say you were crazy to be handling the snake, but thats just me
Michael Dye, about 23 hours ago

It sounds like it was an exciting capture. I have also caught several Blue-striped garters in Gainesville too. However the big heads heapers tell me that it is just a color morph of the (Thamnophis Sirtalis Sirtalis) and not of the (Thamnophis Sirtalis Similis).
ECGardner in reply to Michael Dye’s comment, about 22 hours ago

Yes, I have been told the same thing, that there are no bluestripes here in Gainesville, only blue phase eastern garters. But this snake was textbook bluestripe garter snake, down to the nearly black dorsum and of course the blue pigmentation. If this one is still called a blue-phase eastern garter snake, then perhaps all bluestripes are just blue-phase eastern garters…? Regardless, he was an awesome snake, even if I did have to lose some blood over him. (Not that I blame him in the least for biting me—I would have bitten me, too!) Where in Gainesville did you catch your bluestripe? This one was at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, which is actually an awesome place for herping.