Garden Spider afternoon IMG_2690 (2)
Aug, 2016Views
470
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People's Choice in Your Favorite Spider Webs Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Superior Skill
Absolute Masterpiece
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Top 30 rank
Top 30 rank week 1Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
There's a lot going on in my perennial garden. I have lots of butterflies, a variety of birds that eat wild bird food, peanuts and hummingbird nectar. The squirrels steal the bird food, then get buzzed by woodpeckers and an occasional hawk! Hummingbirds fight to be the only guest at the feeder! Cats lie in wait for the feeding birds and sometimes get lucky. Chipmunks wait at the bottom of the bird feeders to pick up dropped seeds that the birds shake onto the ground. Garden spiders sometimes build undetected webs. I happened upon Spider as I was weeding in his area, and if the truth were known he scared me as much as I scared him. So I went running for my camera and was lucky to get this shot to record his accomplishment of the day, as he built a very fine spider web.Time
This shot was taken in the late afternoon on an overcast day which helped me to avoid shadows. I took quite a few photos of this little guy as he scurried back and forth trying to avoid me and my camera. Finally he seemed paralyzed for a minute and I snapped the photo. I think we were both relieved.Lighting
Bright overcast lighting is good for photography as it doesn't create shadows.Equipment
This photo was taken handheld with my Canon PowerShot G9. I didn't use flash or tripod.Inspiration
I wanted to record this "creepy" creature living in my garden that is actually reputed to be benign.Editing
I didn't do much post-processing. I simply checked the composition, added a bit of color saturation and sharpened it. I also cropped it a little.In my camera bag
In my camera bag I carry my Canon EOS 70D with the kit lens EF-S 18-135 IS STM. In spite of the fact that I am an enthusiastic photographer, this lens is good for just about any occasion right now....I'll soon get a more powerful zoom. Also I carry the Canon PowerShot G9 for simple photos. I use a UV Filter on my Canon 70D when I'm not using the Circular Polarizer filter. I have a remote shutter release for landscape photography done on a tripod, and finally I carry lens cleaning equipment.Feedback
To capture good photos I would encourage anyone to be friendly and patient with insects, birds and wildlife. Spend time in the area with them in a non threatening way. When they trust you they are more likely behave naturally and allow you to take pictures.
