Other

Spider

PDF | Print | E-mail

  "When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion." (Ethiopian proverb)

 

 

 

Ambush predator

A spider is waiting for its prey. Touching its net with its legs it is able to sense even the slightest vibration. It constructs its net in low points (most times touching the ground) and it mostly feeds on flies. Shot with a flash shortly after sunset.

Photo by George J. Reclos

Shooting data:

Camera: Nikon D70
Lens: Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di Macro 1:1
Sensitivity: ISO200
Shutter speed: 1/60sec @ f/16
Flash: SB-800 on-camera TTL (non BL) mode
Image: JPEG processed in Photoshop CS, unsharp mask filter, curves to reduce the highlights and resized.  

 

 

 

 

Going for it

After waiting for a long time, it finally moves for the kill. A small insect is already caught on the net. Shot with a flash shortly after sunset when those animals become more active.

Photo by John Reclos

Shooting Data:

Camera: Nikon Coolpix 5700
Lens: Macro 0.33X
Sensitivity: ISO100
Shutter speed: 1/150sec f/8
Flash: on-camera.
Image: JPEG processed in Photoshop CS, unsharp mask filter, curves to reduce the highlights and resized.  

 

 

 

 

 

Lycosa sp. (adrenivora ?) – Common name: Wolf spider 

This spider is a member of the Lycosa genus (wolf spiders) the same genus that includes tarantulas. As you can see in the photo it blends in nicely with the straws and fallen leaves which is essential since it is one of the most efficient hunters. Taking the whole batch of straws and leaves out of the way could perhaps result in a better photo but I think one of the main advantages of shooting in the wild is to show the animal in its natural habitat with minimal human presence (and definitely intervention). I usually focus manually when I shoot macro; in this case this was a must since the camera’s autofocus system could focus almost anywhere. The spider didn’t mind my presence and resumed normal activity the moment I left it. Flash was used in TTL/FP (high speed synchronization mode). The Tamron 180 mm macro lens is always a nice surprise. Bulky and heavy, it will not allow you to hold it steady for a long time but once the subject gets in focus, you have a very nice shot, while still permitting shooting at a distance from the subject.

Photo by George J. Reclos

Shooting data:

Camera: Nikon D300
Lens: Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di Macro 1:1
Sensitivity: ISO200
Shutter speed: 1/400sec @ f/11
Flash: SB-800 on-camera TTL FP mode
Image: JPEG processed in Photoshop CS3, smart sharpening and resized.  

   

 

These photos cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the photographers. Please contact the  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .