I am new to snakes. I got my first snake 3 weeks ago, a hatchling spotted python. I have handled it briefly twice. The first time was to take it out of the bag and put into the tank. I was not scared and enjoyed it. the second time I had to put my hand in the enclosure and the same thing happened to me as what happened to you. my problem is that I am a naturally a jumpy person. I jump when the phone rings, so naturally i jump when i first make contact with the snake, its not that im scared of been bitten, it has already bitten me and it was fine, more of a shock at the sudden movement for me. I dont want to hurt the snake, but I too get edgy when picking it up from the tank.
I have pet spiders and im the same with them, I dont handle them but care for them well, yet if they strike at a 30cm pair of tweezers with me on the other end I will jump. Despite this I still love my pets and wouldnt give them up for the world.