L.A. based photographer Mark Laita has created a stunning gallery of 122 images of rare and beautiful snakes called Serpentine. During the course of the project, he was reportedly bit by one of the world's most deadly snake, the Black Mamba (see last picture). Laita has done a lot of incredible work, including Sea, and Created Equal. Of the Serpentine project he says:
The sensual attractiveness of snakes, which coexists with their threatening, unpredictable and mysterious nature is truly unique. This dichotomy, in which their beauty seems to be heightened by their danger, and vice-versa, is what I find so fascinating. Add to these contradictions the rich symbolism of serpents and you have a wonderfully compelling subject.
