This type of shot you probably needed to alot in succession. The lighting is on the back half of the body of the where it would probably look best on the head. Usually it takes a few shots to get it right - or close enough to right
You can probably burn (darken) the background and background a bit to make the snake stand out more.
Everyone knows how much I love snakes. I think he is cute. His pose is amazing, but the light is a little rough. Maybe a bounce card. I would be satisfied because I am sure this little guy was not in a position for much experimentation.