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Spider Photos Feedback

simonarthurs
Posted 17/10/2009 - 00:15 Link
I'd be really grateful for some C&C on my better spider shots.....

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Mannesty
Posted 17/10/2009 - 00:36 Link
A very good series, well done.

To get more of the spider in focus you'll need a smaller aperture and some extra light. A macro ring light can be expensive but there are cheaper options.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
simonarthurs
Posted 17/10/2009 - 00:52 Link
Thanks

I'm using a sigma macro lens and also my tamron on macro setting and I've been experimenting between F4-F13

Have you tried changing the ISO at all? I've tended to keep it on ISO100

I was also going to experiment with a reflector
Edited by simonarthurs: 17/10/2009 - 00:52
pschlute
Posted 17/10/2009 - 01:11 Link
I am no macro expert, but i like number 3 . The backlighting is nice and the image is sharp enough.
Technoblurb
Posted 17/10/2009 - 08:38 Link
I quit like number one and three, number one because of the light on the web and three because of the detail.
Mannesty
Posted 17/10/2009 - 08:56 Link
simonarthurs wrote:
Thanks

I'm using a sigma macro lens and also my tamron on macro setting and I've been experimenting between F4-F13

Have you tried changing the ISO at all? I've tended to keep it on ISO100

I was also going to experiment with a reflector

Don't be afraid to go up to ISO 400. With more light you should get apertures down to f16 or below and you'll get greater DOF. Unless you are after a particular effect, I'd say f4 is too large an aperture for macro.

BTW, your subjects are two Orb Spiders, one male and one female.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Edited by Mannesty: 17/10/2009 - 08:59
Greytop
Posted 17/10/2009 - 10:05 Link
Hi Simon, nice series there.
I never worry to much about increasing the ISO (even to the 800-1250 range). Most important (as Peter says) is choosing the optimum aperture to maintain an acceptable depth of field.
Regards Huw

flickr
Mannesty
Posted 17/10/2009 - 10:17 Link
One more tip . . . get closer, they don't bite or sting.

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Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Edited by Mannesty: 17/10/2009 - 10:17
George Lazarette
Posted 17/10/2009 - 10:42 Link
F11 or F16 and lots of light.

G
Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.
simonarthurs
Posted 17/10/2009 - 12:29 Link
Thanks everyone for the advice, I'll try the changes to ISO subject to natural (and refelcted) light.

Mannesty, I'm guessing this spider is a tiny bit larger than our common garden spiders ?!?
Mannesty
Posted 17/10/2009 - 13:09 Link
simonarthurs wrote:
Mannesty, I'm guessing this spider is a tiny bit larger than our common garden spiders ?!?

It's not at all a tiny bit larger, it's hugely larger, and I admit it's not a fair comparison. The bigger they are the easier they are to photograph. My specimen was about 4 inches long including legs. See a few more images here.

It's one of the tarantula family and I found it wandering about around our house during the summer. I couldn't resist a few shots and it was very obliging. It's now living happily (I hope) where nobody will swat it with a rolled up newspaper.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Edited by Mannesty: 17/10/2009 - 13:12
goggalee
Posted 18/10/2009 - 02:23 Link
Hi Simon, I like them all, agree with all a both. Try to use a monopod when possible, will help a bit with the focus (and tired arms), mostly I hand held the camera, but when they sit still long enough I use a monopod. One more thing try to control your breathing. Keep it up
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Mannesty
Posted 18/10/2009 - 15:02 Link
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Edited by Mannesty: 18/10/2009 - 15:03

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