Green Vine Snake

Nature, second prize singles

1982

A green vine snake in the rain forest. Oxybelis fulgidus, commonly known as the green vine snake or the flatbread snake (not to be confused with Ahaetulla nasuta), is a species of long, slender, arboreal colubrid snake, which is endemic to Central America and northern South America.

Commissioned by: Wheeler Pictures for Life

Photo Credit: Micheal Melford

Michael Melford (born February 18, 1950, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY) is an American photographer, artist and teacher known for his National Geographic magazine assignments.

Michael Melford was born and raised in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. He has a BS in photography from Syracuse University.

Melford is known for his raw, natural landscapes and his ability to capture vibrant motion in nature. He has produced over 30 stories for National Geographic Traveler magazine, including eight covers. He has extensively photographed the marvels of America's National Parks and Alaska. His inspirations are Ansel Adams and Ernst Haas.

Melford's photographs have appeared in The Apple Store, Life Magazine, Newsweek, Time, Fortune, Smithsonian, Geo, Travel & Leisure, Travel Holiday, Coastal Living, National Geographic Traveler and National Geographic.

His image of Montana's Glacier National Park was featured on a U.S. Postage stamp, first issued January 19, 2012.

Melford is a frequent workshop and seminar instructor for Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic Expeditions.