I told my boys that I ran into the biggest number of spiders that I have ever seen. Sure enough, I took three of my macro lens to the same spot close to my workplace along a hiking path. I saw hundreds if not close to a thousand around trees and shorter bushes area scattered around the area. In quick look up for images on the web for Black Widows, those spiders that I have taken shots may be related to Black Widows. I assumed those with the big belly are the females.I wouldn't use my Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 1:1 macro as I would be too close to the spiders. I should have tried my Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 1:2 close focusing from Komine later when I manage to find the time to take more shots. All shots are done hand-held and post processed quickly with b&w in Picasa.
A black widow
maybe a male spider
b&w in Picasa
b&w in Picasa
Impressions & Notes
- I really don't want to get too close to the subjects and hence I will prefer a
longer minimum focusing distance.
- The Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 1:1 macro limited would be suitable to get a wider view of the spider web but I would not use it up close to the Black Widows and their male counterparts
- I used manual focusing and up ISO to 400 and 640 for the shooting in late afternoon for hand-holding the shots, I would attempt tripod and an external flash to open up the DOF when time allows.
- My quick post processing with Picasa "I am feeling lucky" may have pushed the image and background unnatural.
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2 comments:
I really enjoy these shots. Besides your ability, it is obviously a very nice lens. My Vivi Series I 105mm is incredible but so heavy and large I prefer a monopod.
is the black and white actually a black widow? And type if you know? I would have loved a top view I want crate a tattoo with these pictures. snake.bite23@yahoo.com
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