Cross-Orbweaver-Spider 2-PPW
I usually don't see a lot of spiders on my property, but one morning I went out and saw that this one had built a giant web right in my front yard. I shot ...
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I usually don't see a lot of spiders on my property, but one morning I went out and saw that this one had built a giant web right in my front yard. I shot pictures over 3 days and his web kept getting blown down by weather, yet he kept rebuilding. This is a Cross Orbweaver Spider and I thought the markings were quite interesting and the web impressive. D700 with 200 mm Micro Nikkor f-4 on a Gitzo 3541L tripod with Markins M20L ball head. 2-22-16 re-edited in PSCS6 Extended using Picture Postcard workflow.
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Feb, 2016Views
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Awards
People's Choice in Spider in Cobweb Photo Challenge
Winner in A Spider In A Web Photo Challenge
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo in my front yard in San Jose CATime
It was 5:37 PM on Oct 9 2009.Lighting
It was late afternoon light coming from the rightEquipment
D700 with 200 mm Micro Nikkor f/4 on a Gitzo 3541L tripod with Markins M20L ball head.Film and/or ISO: 3200, Aperture: f/25, Shutter speed: 1/15Inspiration
I usually don't see a lot of spiders on my property, located in the city of San Jose CA, but one morning I went out and saw that this one had built a giant web right in my front yard. I shot pictures over 3 days and his web kept getting blown down by weather, yet he kept rebuildingEditing
Edited in PSCS6 Extended using Picture Postcard workflowIn my camera bag
I no longer own the D700, which was my go-to camera at the time. Today my camera is a Nikon Z7 a step up from a D8100. I try to pack light as hauling a lot of gear is never fun. So my set up these days, varied by what I intend to shoot, is generally the Z7 with 24-120 f/4, either a Z14-30 f/4 or a 300 mm f/4 PFEDVR, and a Z24-70mm f4. All carried in a Case Logic Sling Bag. For this shoot, I just had to step outside the door, so I just mounted my 200 mm f/4 Micro Nikkor to my D700 and placed it on my tripod, and went outside to shoot.Feedback
As I said above I shot this insect over 3 days at various times and weather conditions. With small insects I find the 200mm focal length of my Macro lens is an advantage because I don't have to get on top of the insect to get a good image. Images are super sharp with this lens, and it is considered the best macro lens that Nikon makes. Don't just snap a shot and leave. Take time to try different vantage points, move close and isolate the insect but also keep in mind that it helps to capture a bit of the environment as well. In this case, I captured the web, but put the greenery in the background out of focus, helping the spider body to stand out.
