Need some help please...

clicketf3

Can anyone share with me, the technique of capturing a spiders web? I tried different diffusers, apertures, working distances, and just couldn't nail it. This is the best outcome, kind of hit or miss.Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Lord Vetinari

well it's a good shot anyway.
If you just want the web rather than the spider then you are better off shooting them in natural early morning or late evening sun when the sun is low.
Brian v.

clicketf3

Thanks Brian. This subject is backlit as it has spun its web across a window, hence the blue/white background.Perhaps it is not possible, obviously as I mentioned I tried numerous techniques.
Just looking for the right combination.

Art Scott

Lord Vetinari wrote: »

well it's a good shot anyway.
If you just want the web rather than the spider then you are better off shooting them in natural early morning or late evening sun when the sun is low.
Brian v.

Either way also carry a spray bottle of really light cooking oil or water to lightly spray the web so the light reflects off it better and the droplets can be interesting also........

clicketf3

Thanks Art. I'm thinking spider wouldn't mind water, but the cooking oil I dont know. The oil would probably diffract the light a little more interestingly.

Lord Vetinari

clicketf3 wrote: »

Thanks Brian. This subject is backlit as it has spun its web across a window, hence the blue/white background.Perhaps it is not possible, obviously as I mentioned I tried numerous techniques.
Just looking for the right combination.

Wasn't sure f you wanted the web to show with a closeup of the spider as well. If so then you really need a dark background (or no close background) and use flash, obviously with the camera at right angles to the web.
For a natural light shot you again would need a dark background with the light behind but at an angle to the web (ie not lighting the background.

Old animated shot below of a spider building a web taken in strong low natural light at an angle to the web.

Vrian V.

clicketf3

That's the ticket! I will try this. I was hesitant in using the cooking oil. And once again, your work...WOW!!! Thank you Brian.

Robin Casady

Try backlighting the web with a remote flash, or just natural light.