Pick Your Poison #012039

Pick Your Poison is a captivating still life photograph, a sensory tapestry woven from rich textures and contrasts. The dark, weathered wood and rusty hardware of an old crate form the backdrop, adding depth to the composition. Lower left, a gentlemen's whiskey glass holds a smoldering, lit cigar delicately perched on its rim. The amber hues of a luxurious whiskey bottle stand out against the bright, exotic colors of a living lavender albino ball python gracefully coiled around it.

The title, Pick Your Poison, encapsulates the essence of the image. It suggests a complex interplay between indulgence and risk, where the choices one makes can be as alluring and dangerous as the intertwined elements in the photograph. The warmth of the whiskey, the smoky allure of the cigar, and the enigmatic beauty of the serpent create a narrative that invites viewers to ponder the seductive nature of vices. It prompts reflection on the dualities in life, urging us to consider the symbolic poisons we encounter, and the decisions we must make amidst their captivating allure.

This image was created for a local reptile collector using one of his snakes. It scored an 81 at Professional Photographers of Oklahoma 2021 Photographic Competition.