2006  I. H. S.  Herp  Photography  Contest  Winners

Life Begins  Herpetofauna at birth or hatching, or in some aspect of reproduction.

     Snow corn snake - Elaphe guttata guttata  -  A fresh hatchling rests atop its siblings' eggs.

By Michael D. Kern

Abstract  An odd / exciting view of a herp, or portion of its scalation, coloration, etc.

     Mang Mountain viper - Zhaoermia mangshanensis  -  The complex pattern and coloration seems the ultimate camouflage.

By Eddie Sunila

Going, Going, Gone...  Depicting a threatened or endangered herp species.

     Gopher tortoise - Gopherus polyphemus  -  A tortoise grazes beneath the sign that will likely mean its eventual doom.

By Daniel Parker

Watch Out!  Depiction of danger, i.e. herps that bite, scratch, tail-lash, are venomous, etc.

     African rock python - Python sebae  -  A cave full of roosting bats gets nervous as a natural enemy approaches in silence.

By Michael D. Kern

Digital Wizardry  Recognition of the skills and wonders of digital manipulation.

     Coral snake   Micrurus sp. -  The coral snake is just beginning to devour a harmless snake in this convoluted creation.

By Michael D. Kern

Ooops!  A humorous photo goof or other funny situation involving herps or herping.

     (Skin of) Variable king snake   Lampropeltis thayeri  -  The evidence of an escape is the shed skin left as the snake forced its way through a ventilation hole in the plastic box formerly holding it.  

By Bekky Muscher

A Natural Moment  Herpetofauna in its natural habitat, i.e. photographed where it lives.

     Gila monster - Heloderma suspectum cinctum -  This banded form wanders the rocky canyons of its far-north range in Utah.

By Kim Foose

In Captivity  Illustrating an aspect of husbandry and / or herpetoculture, like handing, feeding, breeding, collecting, etc. 

&  BEST of SHOW  The image chosen as most original, exciting, and / or memorable.

     Usumbara Mountain viper   Atheris ceratophorus  -  This tree viper reared back into a spectacular defensive pose in the studio.

By Michael D. Kern