From a careful bird’s-eye view, I photographed a Hime Habu snake lying perfectly camouflaged among the fallen leaves and tangled vegetation of the Yambaru jungle floor. Using a 60mm lens, I worked at a very close distance—no more than twelve inches from the snake—placing myself firmly inside its striking range. This demanded quick reflexes and steady composure, as the species is both venomous and well-concealed in its surroundings. The image captures not only the intricate patterns of the Hime Habu’s scales blending seamlessly with the forest debris, but also the quiet tension of being so near to one of Okinawa’s most secretive reptiles.