Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/smooth-snake/ Species photography guide # Smooth Snake Photography Holidays *Coronella austriaca* Explore our Smooth Snake photography holidays in [Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/bulgaria/), planned to give photographers proper time with this species during the best seasonal conditions.Our small-group photography holidays prioritise time in the field, light, behaviour, positioning & repeatable photographic opportunities rather than rushed wildlife viewing. [View trips](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/smooth-snake/#nl-species-trips)[Where](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/smooth-snake/#nl-species-where)[Field notes](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/smooth-snake/#nl-species-field-notes)[Related species](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/smooth-snake/#nl-species-related) ![Smooth Snake photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/an-agile-frog-photographed-in-bulgaria-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) ## At a glance Trips1 associated holiday Where[Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/bulgaria/) Led by[Pui Hang Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/pui-hang/) Species profile ## About this species The Smooth Snake is a slender, non-venomous reptile native to heathland habitats across Europe, including parts of southern England where it is one of the rarest reptiles. It typically measures 50-70 cm in length & is characterised by its grey or brown colouring with a distinctive dark stripe running from the head along the body. Unlike the grass snake, it lacks a yellow collar & gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs. **Habitat** Sandy heathlands with dense heather, gorse & bracken, often found in areas with open sunny patches & loose sandy soil, particularly in southern England & across central Europe. [Species background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smooth_snake) Where to photograph ## Where our trips feature this species You can photograph Smooth Snake with us in [Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/bulgaria/). These departures are part of our [Europe](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/) programme. In the field, [Pui Hang Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/pui-hang/) helps guests make the most of these encounters. Field notes ## Photography notes **Best time** Late spring to early autumn, particularly April to September, with warm sunny mornings between 9am & 11am being ideal for catching individuals basking to raise their body temperature. **Approach** Approach heathland areas slowly & quietly in the morning when snakes are basking on warm sandy ground or beneath corrugated tin refugia sheets. Use a macro or short telephoto lens to capture close detail without disturbing the animal, keeping a low profile by lying flat on the ground to achieve eye-level perspective. Avoid casting shadows over the snake as this will cause it to retreat quickly, & always prioritise the welfare of the animal over getting the shot. Connected wildlife ## Often seen on the same trips On the trips associated with this species, photographers may also encounter: [Aesculapian Snake](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/aesculapian-snake/)[Blotched Snake](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/blotched-snake/)[Dahl's Whip Snake](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/dahls-whip-snake/)[European Glass Lizard](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/european-glass-lizard/)[Hermann's Tortoise](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/hermanns-tortoise/)[Large Whip Snake](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/large-whip-snake/)[Leopard Snake](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/leopard-snake/)[Montpellier Snake](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/montpellier-snake/)[Reddish Whip Snake](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/reddish-whip-snake/)[Sand Boa](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/sand-boa/) Available holidays ## Trips featuring Smooth Snake The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article. #### Guide connection Pui Hang Miles leads trips where guests have the chance to photograph Smooth Snake in the field. [Meet Pui](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/pui-hang/) ![Reptiles & Amphibians in Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/an-agile-frog-photographed-in-bulgaria-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg) #### Related holiday Reptiles & Amphibians in Bulgaria gives guests time in Bulgaria where Smooth Snake can be part of the day's wildlife encounters. [View trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/reptiles-amphibians-in-bulgaria/) Route Destination Signature Destination Single occupancy Maximum 6 guests Experienced guidance Guided by Pui - [![Join Us For The Reptiles & Amphibians in Bulgaria Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/an-agile-frog-photographed-in-bulgaria-during-the-natureslens-reptiles-amphibians-of-bulgaria-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/reptiles-amphibians-in-bulgaria/) Special Offer ### 12th - 20th May 2027 - Reptiles & Amphibians in Bulgaria **Location:** Bulgaria Join us for a photography tour focussed on Reptiles & Amphibians in Bulgaria timed for peak activity, covering the country's richest herpetology regions with expert local guidance. **8 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **Was: £2999 Now: £2749** Guided By **Pui Hang Miles** [View Reptiles & Amphibians in Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/reptiles-amphibians-in-bulgaria/) -