
I shot a wedding on Friday on the Eastern shore of Maryland. The picture to the left is of me shooting the bridal party on some rocks overlooking the water. The photograph was taken by Felipe, a friend of mine who would like to get into the professional photography market and therefore was taking the opportunity to assist me at a wedding. Kudos to Felipe for taking a great picture—and making my job a little easier.
Well, to get right to it, this post comes partially from a lack of other ideas and partially from my father’s suggestion.
I, William Petruzzo, am seriously afraid of snakes.
I think it comes from a good friend of my mother’s. I know that sounds weird, but understand if you will. When I was youngster, my mother and this woman were best friends. They spent pretty much every day together as my father and her husband were at work. (I don’t remember any boxed wine, but I can only assume it was there somewhere).
Well, this woman had just about the biggest snake phobia I’ve ever heard of. I mean any kind of reference to snakes would send her into shivers. Pictures would upset her, rubber toys would cause her to yelp. Unfortunately it was hilarious and frankly, as a 9 year old boy without a television, there wasn’t really a better source of entertainment anywhere in the house.
Well, I’m pretty certain that justice—perhaps some kind of divine karma even—has finally been served. I can barely stand the thought of snakes, let alone the real thing. When I see them in movies, I usually have to look away. They just freak me out.
(Although, I take solace in knowing that Indiana Jones and I have something in common).
But to bring things home, during yesterday’s wedding, the unthinkable happened. Situated just behind the perspective of the picture above, there’s a dock where wedding ceremonies are held. On one side of the dock is a beach and on the other side is a pile of rocks—much like the ones seen in the picture.
During the ceremony I was using the rocks and the beach as a way to get more interesting angles of the couple getting married without being too distracting for the guests watching.
While the couple was taking their vows—nearly ready to exchange rings—I ran from one side of the dock on the beach, to the other side where the rocks were. I wanted to get down there and into position quickly so that I was sure not to miss their first kiss. I hopped down and before my feet landed on the rocks, I nearly had a heart attack.
There, on the rocks below me, was perhaps the largest snake I’ve ever seen outside of a zoo. It appeared to be a little smaller around than a baseball bat and easily six feel long. It was very dark brown. My feet landed less than a foot away from it and in a position that was nearly straddling the demon creature. The moment my feet hit the ground, the snake frantically slithered off and disappeared into rocks before I could see him get away in the water.
The second I hit the ground, I literally had to throw my hand over my mouth to keep from letting out a ridiculous school-girl yelp which would have inevitably marred the couple’s picture perfect ceremony. Needless to say, I had to get off the rocks to continue shooting. Paranoia, apparently has a grip like a vice. Somewhere in my mind I was convinced that the snake would have to come back for revenge sooner or later. For what, I’m not sure, but he would definitely bring his buddies. I couldn’t handle that.
Out of necessity, I got myself back together quickly so I could return to the task at hand. But neglecting my phobia then has taken its toll. Now, I’m forced to deal with it very slowly and at all the least opportune times. Like when I’m driving to a shoot or in bed trying to fall asleep. Those damn things could be anywhere!
Its all made me think of Mark 16:18:
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
God I hope not. I think maybe next time I’ll just do my coping right then and there and save myself the days and weeks of phobic anguish!