The photographer's objective is to create stunning pictures that are visually appealing, attractive, and fascinating for their viewers. Some photographers make use of exotic animals, such as snakes and parrots, as props in order to provide a sense of wildness and fantasy to their photoshoots. For instance, photographer Annie Leibovitz has used snakes in many of her photoshoots, including the infamous Rolling Stone cover featuring John Lennon and Yoko Ono naked in bed with a python coiled around them. The photo represents the couple's freedom and primal sensuality. Additionally, fashion photographers like Helmut Newton have also employed animal props in their work to capture the essence of eroticism and intimacy between subjects. His well-known shot of Charlotte Rampling and Jeanne Moreau lying in bed together while being watched by a snake captures the idea of sexual tension and desire. In these shoots, the animal symbolizes both danger and pleasure, which adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to the image. However, using animals in photography can be controversial due to ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. Animal rights activists argue that it is cruel to keep animals in enclosures for long periods of time and subject them to uncomfortable conditions, especially when they are not treated humanely. Furthermore, there is a risk that the animals could injure the models or pose a health hazard during the shoot.
Despite this, many photographers continue to incorporate animals into their work because they believe it creates stunning images. It's important for photographers to ensure the safety and comfort of the animals they use in their projects to minimize any potential harm. Ultimately, the decision to include animals in a shoot comes down to personal preference and artistic vision. Some may choose to avoid using animals altogether, while others embrace the risks and challenges associated with working with them. As technology advances, digital manipulation tools allow photographers to create more realistic-looking animals without actually using live ones, which has become a popular alternative among some professionals.