Yellow Stripes
Feb, 2015Views
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Staff Winter Selection 2015
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This tiny guy set up his web in the shrubs beside my front porch. He was so small, I couldn't see him on the web....until I looked through the macro lens.Time
This was one of those times when I was determined to redeem my early morning sleeplessness. I went outside in my pajamas, camera in hand, to see what I could see. The early morning light, just before sunrise, was perfect. It was 5:40 am on a September morning.Lighting
That magic hour just before sunrise almost never disappoints! In this case, a tripod was absolutely necessary, in order to use the normal light - no flash.Equipment
This photo was taken with a Canon Rebel T3i using a Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens and a tripod. I also had a remote trigger. No flash needed - only patience and the steadiness of the tripod. A spray bottle of water added "dew" to the web - the spider didn't seem to mind!Inspiration
I've always been curious about the webs that adorn my shrubbery every morning.....and why I could never see the spiders. Normally, I pretty reticent when it comes to spiders, but this little one won my heart. I had no idea that spiders carried such intricate patterns on their bodies! This guy won me over - spiders are now one of my favorite subjects.Editing
Post-processing was fairly simple at this stage, because I knew so little about how to do it! I used iPhoto to adjust contrast, exposure, and saturation. I also rotated the image so that the spider is right side up - not hanging upside down as he usually is.In my camera bag
Always, my Canon 6D body, the macro lens, and a Canon EF 24-105 mm 1:4 L IS USM lens. Of course, I also carry two extra batteries, and an extra memory card. Recently I added a Neewer ring light, which I'm still learning to use. The "extras" include both a carbon fiber tripod with a Sirui ball head and a Sirui monopod.Feedback
Patience is always important. Don't get in a hurry. Perhaps the wisest advice I was given was to take camera in hand and just go see what there is to see. My best shots have always come from just keeping my eyes open and my camera ready. I take many shots during each session, in order to assure I get at least one or two prize shots. Insect repellent, a gardener's kneeling pad, and a spray bottle of water always are helpful.
