This image is of a Reticulated Python inside of its egg, still within its embryonic sac covered in clear albumin. These pythons are the largest snakes in the world and this little gem will eventually reach a length of over 20ft.
Post-processing included selective burning, darkening and saturation. The image was also sharpened slightly and cropped (detail is difficult at 640 pixels :)
Statistics
Place: 371 out of 530 Avg (all users): 5.2551 Avg (commenters): 5.9444 Avg (participants): 5.2016 Avg (non-participants): 5.4217 Views since voting: 1297 Views during voting: 559 Votes: 341 Comments: 22 Favorites: 0
Thanks for everyone who "got" the image. This is really a one of a kind image and was quite difficult to shoot and light properly. I used a reflector to help "push" the light inside the egg area.
I agree with all of the critics about the eye focus. The problem was that the head is still inside the egg and still coved by thick gelatinous protein (just like chicken eggs whites). So getting that area into sharp focus was something I didn’t accomplish with this shot. But I did get the nose and strands in very clear focus, so the image worked on that level. As for the crop, it's tight to show the extream detail and the position is "true life".
There were several comments made out of patent ignorance of the subject matter. Those were interesting to read, even if a bit melodramatic. Any reaction is good feedback, and I already knew the “icky” factor would be there for some.
I’m not thrilled coming in at 372 out of 531 with this image. But then again, I could have played it safe with another image if the score was that important I guess.
My congrats to the few that identified this as a Retic!
I'm not sure what I'm looking at here... but if it's what I think it is... a dead snake in a bag with blood... it's pretty disturbing... I'm sorry but I just had to say that.
An interesting shot. Those appear to be blood vessels, as if this creature was fresh out of its egg/womb...not sure what it is. Don't see this stuff everyday on this website! Overall, well saturated exposure with excellent detail.
Definately different. I would have liked to see the focus on the entire "giant" especially the eye. Curious to read your explanation after the challenge. Good Luck.
Nice! Is that a retic? Anyway...I think this picture could be improved if just the eye was more in focus...that would really give you a point to draw your attention.
There are two things that make this image incredible. One is the technical quality. It is very, very good. The other is the content and capture. It is an amazing image. This will be one of the top images of this challenge.
Ick - ok I'll bite - what is it? Some kind of snake? Aligator? Hatching maybe? Odd and interesting image even if I cant identfy it. Color, composition, focus, all that is lovley.
I have no idea whats happening here - its certainly an interesting scene (although not exactly one for the squeamish among us :P). I think this would work better with a deeper depth of field - since it's such a confusing scene to start with, the fct that only part of it is in focus serves only to create more confusion.
Once again, I'd love to know what the heck is going on here! 6
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