Cross-Orbweaver-Spider_PPW
May, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I usually don't see a lot of spiders on my property in San Jose CA, but one morning I went out and saw that this one had built a giant web right in my front yard.Time
According to the recorded data, I took this image on Oct 10, 2009 at 5:48:39 PMLighting
I shot this image later in the day, and the look was very different from images I took at different times. Without the flash, the interesting details on the spider would have been lost and by using off camera flash I could adjust how the light played across the body creating more drama.Equipment
D700 with 200 mm Micro Nikkor f/4 D on a Gitzo 3541L tripod with Markins M20L ball head, SB800 Flash f/20, 1/60, ISO 200.Inspiration
This is a Cross Orb weaver Spider and I thought the markings were quite interesting and the web impressive. The Spiders determination to keep rebuilding the web after it was destroyed so many times due to weather, yet he kept rebuilding. I shot pictures over 3 days getting different images, but liked this one best.Editing
I originally processed the image in Nikons Capture NX2, but in 3/3/15 I decided to reprocess the image in PSCS6 Extended using Picture Postcard Workflow developed by Dan Margulis. This is now my main workflow as I sold my trusty Nikon D700 in late 2014 and cannot us Capture NX2 any longer. I originally learned Photoshop starting with CS1 and progressed through CS6 extended for which I have a perpetual license. I do not use LR nor do I have a subscription to PS CC. So my workflow used to be open NEF in Capture NX2 and finish in Photoshop. Now I open the NEF in Nikon Capture NX-D, create a flat 16 bit TIFF, which I move to Photoshop and process using the Picture Postcard workflow. I do no use ACR at all. This process gives me better results and allows me to capture all the Nikon camera settings and also process settings like ADL which Photoshop nor LR can do.In my camera bag
What I carry in my bag depends on what I intend to shoot. I try to carry as little as possible, especially when I travel. So in general, I carry my D810 and a 17-35 f/2.8 lens and an 85 mm f/1.4 D. I also carry a Kenko 1.4 TC and a 16 mm f/2.8 Fisheye. This is my travel kit. If I plan to shoot wildlife, I just carry my D810 and my 300 mm f/4E PF ED VR and the Kenko 1.4, Nikon 1.7 TC and Nikon 2.0 TC. Sometimes I will also carry my 70-200 f/2.8 VR. . If I am shooting Macro it is always the 200mm f/4 D Micro Nikkor.. The only other lens I will carry from time to time is my 35-70 f/2.8 D zoom.Feedback
As I have done here, if you come upon a spider web, try and take many images from many different angles and different times of the day. Have a flash handy for off camera use as when using long Macro lenses like the 200 mm, on camera flash will be shadowed. The flash in this case helped add dramatic lighting to what otherwise might have just been a boring record shot. Take your time. While I have shot the 200 mm hand held, you will get better results on a tripod, as depth of field in macro is very shallow and you will need to stop down. This will cause you to either shoot at high ISO or slow shutter speeds. In Macro you should try and shoot at the lowest native ISO setting if possible. Use a remote release or self timer mode to reduce vibrations and focus with Live View if your camera has it. Make sure you cover the eyepiece if you are not looking through it as otherwise it will affect you exposure due to light leaks. Finally try not to disturb the insects by getting too close. That is why I use the 200 mm lens as it allows you a greater working distance.
