Ray it is your name not the snakes that folks are reacting to. The snakes are cool BTW. I like the first one the way you had it first, circle/highlight looks natural.
A snake workshop? I love the idea. I know how difficult it is to find a good angle on a snake. The arboreal variety are easier, since tree limbs will give the snake some shape. I think the first shot is excellent for lighting, color, and clarity. I think rotating the image fifteen degrees or so clockwise would allow the snake to fill the frame better. Otherwise, I rather enjoy seeing critters of the wingless sort.
Ted.. and Thanks DiPace., I appreciate your critique.