Hello. I don't have a macro lens but tried this shot anyway. The left side of the photo was out of focus because of my angle. I was in deep bushes so was unable to move very well. I was wondering if I should crop it like this to save the image or just toss it until I get a real macro lense? Here is a link to the original. (http://www.eagle.ca/~sta/photos/spider.jpg)

-- Scott Abrams (sta@eagle.ca), September 11, 1999

Answers

I'll try again

-- Scott Abrams (sta@eagle.ca), September 11, 1999.

Scott,

Spiders have 8 legs. This appears to have 4. Could you have waited until it looked a little more spidery?

Otherswise, I like it as much as I'd like any shot of a spider.

Ken

-- Ken Munn (ken@pcm-marketing.com), September 13, 1999.

I don't see that getting closer would have necessarily helped this shot. For me the backround is too distracting. I think the web is interesting and don't think cropping it is the answer. I would suggest using some flash to over power the existing light. You should be able to darken the backround and make the web more visible.

-- rob dalrymple (robd13@erols.com), September 13, 1999.

Ken -

This appears to be an Agriope, and the leg position is typical of this spider, as well as many orb-weaving spiders (Peter May - help me out here if I'm off). This is as "spidery" as this spider gets.

That said, the focus seems a little soft, and the background is a little distracting, but the composition looks pretty good to me, for what that's worth. Conservative flash use may have helped; I'd suggest looking for another opportunity with a little better lighting on the spider...

-- Scott (bliorg@yahoo.com), September 13, 1999.

Thanks for the help. Scott what kind of reference material would you recommend for spiders/insects? I like the photo you have of the same spider. I wasn't able to get to the otherside of the spider but will definately try next time. Thanks again Scott A

-- Scott Abrams (sta@eagle.ca), September 13, 1999.

Sorry for the confusion - that wasn't my photo (we don't have 'em down here). Just found-on-web to illustrate. I get some slides scanned, and I'll post some...

For reference, I generally look here , or consult the National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders. Not the most complete reference, and I'm sure there are better ones, but it's a good starting place. And there's always Peter May...

-- Scott (bliorg@yahoo.com), September 14, 1999.

Here's a front view of Argiope.

-- Mark Lindamood (mlindamo@ida.org), September 21, 1999.