How do you shoot your herps? (lens, settings, mode, etc?)

Do any of you have a favorite "magic" setting for shooting reptiles -- or even a particular kind of reptile -- with?

One setting you use for geckos, another for snakes?

Do you have some special combo of lens, settings, etc, that gives you really good results the majority of the time?

Do you just shoot on auto and let the camera do the work? (That's where I still am, and trying to get away from.)

I'd really love to know what is working so well for other people, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel.

Thanks!

I use the macro setting, with flash. Photos taken inside the enclosure, on plants, come out the best for me. The light seems to be exactly right every time, perhaps because it's surrounded by glass. I also have good luck outside in full sun, again on plants. Of course, this is for geckos; I don't have large snakes. I use the rapid fire feature for uncooperative animals. If you take 30 shots in a few seconds, one of them is bound to turn out!

Noelle