Some comments on the current off topic.

Shane, you might look into the symbolism of reptiles and religion, it goes back a lot further than most think, and the serpent representing evil is a fairly modern interpretation.  Look for any interpretation from the devil to a god, from the bringer of death to the giver of life, and you'll probably find it somewhere in antiquity. Each one equal in validity to the current, "evil". 

I'm somewhat familiar with the photo, and of Avedon.   Avedon had a pretty wide field that he played with in his art photos, some of which may shock people, but that's how it is.

Pumeco:"So if it's true, the photographer not only failed there, but failed badly, cause you know me by now, if there was even a hint of it meaning she was powerless to do anything, that would make it erotic for me."  S/M and bondage may be more to your liking then, but isn't liable to win you any favor with normal ladies.  There is nothing erotic about a helpless woman, or as you say, powerless.  In your mind, it would convey dominance over her, rather than what is more attractive. I don't like anything that portrays the woman as the subject, object, goal or victim, I'd rather see her as a participant of her own free will.

It's a nice photo, nicely posed, well exposed, technically correct, but the epitome of photography?  Naah.  Good nevertheless, but nothing I'd spend any money on.  My reaction, she's got guts, as those things are neither harmless, sluggish, or predictable.  No symbolism in the cropping, just necessary to the subject and format.

Doric

The "I" in Doric is Silent.