MikeCeglady
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5363
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Insects And Critters Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Arachnophobia Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Macro Extravaganza Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in 1000 Phobias Photo Contest
a JOBY Gorillapod and more!
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
Jaw Dropping
One Of A Kind
Virtuoso
Genius
VIP Favorite
Great Find
Top Ranks
Categories
kimberlypetersendanas
April 09, 2014
Is it weird that I love it and hate it at the same time?! Congratulations!!
MaryAnne306
April 10, 2014
Awesome photo! And definitely the stuff of phobias. Congratulations on your win!
annharris
April 22, 2014
Incredible shot; was a gorgeous spider and I never thought I would say that!
hlambourn
May 28, 2014
Excellent composition. this is one little beauty I've yet to photograph. well done
KayBrewer
May 29, 2015
congratulations, Mike - finalist in Phobias! (I agree - this creature is fearsome!)
karen8659
September 26, 2015
Magnificent! Love taking macros. How close were you before you clicked off the photo?
MikeCeglady
September 28, 2015
I love macros too - I was less than an inch away when I got this shot.. And thank you for the compliment!
catherinethompson
July 05, 2016
Whilst I applaud your fabulous shot I have to say it does not inspire me. LOL. Congratulations.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Raleigh, North Carolina in a hotel room. This is a common jumping spider that I found crawling around.Time
I actually took this shot on the counter of the hotel kitchenette area at about 9pm.Lighting
Obviously, all the lights were on in the place and I brought over a desk lamp and took the shade off of it to add more light. No flash or reflectors.Equipment
I used my Nikon D3200 with a Nikkor 35mm prime and a Vello 36mm extension tube, all mounted on my tripod (with the legs folded up). I steadied the camera by putting the tripod legs on the ground and tilting towards the spider. The focal point was less than an inch away from the lens, and it was difficult to hold steady for the shot.Inspiration
I had my eye out for tiny things to photograph (because I had just picked up the extension tubes). This guy fit the bill! Plus, ViewBug was running a 'Phobias' contest, limited to 888. After processing, I just barely got this image in - I think it was the 887th entry. And it won!Editing
I made the usual clarity and curves adjustments in Photoshop, as well as a pretty decent crop. I wanted the spider to seem larger than possible; I wanted his hairs to look like tree trunks.In my camera bag
I carry the basics - a Nikon D3200, a Sigma 18-250mm lens, a Nikkor 35mm prime, a speedlite, some Vello extension tubes, and an IR remote. I'm not an equipment hog, so I need flexibility with all of the things I carry. For me, the creative process is crushed by constantly analyzing lens choices and fiddling with equipment. Does my 18-250mm lens have distortion and vignetting? Yes. But Photoshop corrects it all with one click.Feedback
Keep your eyes open. Sometimes the smallest things are the most interesting. Stick your head in a bush once in a while too.