Nice photos. I'm not much into the cool background as you are but here are a few of what I think are my best pictures.
A very mad African Bush Eyelash Viper
Here I tried to use the shadow as an effect on my baby Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Another of my Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, with the tongue and tail showing.
My Retic showing off his perfect set of teeth.
Maybe someday I'll get as good as you, but for now I'll take what I call my lucky shots. That means I take about 100 pictures and hope that 1 or 2 come out looking good. Thanks the Lord for digital cameras. lol