 Yogita Joshi |
How To Photograph a Spider Web? I have recently started exploring the world of photography. I have a SLR with a 28-90mm zoom lens. I have spotted a tiny spider web which is intricate in design and wanted to capture it. It is indoors but the place is well lit. But I don't know how or where to begin. Any input? What should I concentrate on? How do I achieve this?
|
|
|
|
||
|
Derek Cragin |
You should consider using flash to illuminate the web and bring out detail in the spider's body. If you only use the available light, the web and spider may be rendered quite dark. You may also consider using a mist bottle to spray a fine mist of water on the web, to create a dew effect. If the web was outdoors, you could just shoot it early in the day when it is coated in morning dew, but you can suffice. In a heads-up to ethics, you should wait until the spider is off the web before you soak it with water, as not to drown it. In addition, you can try side- or back-lighting the web to create a lovely effect, much like what you would get if it was outdoors and lit by the sun. Other than that, it's up to you to find the creativity in photographing arachnids. One can easily shoot rolls and rolls of film on one spiderweb, finding different compositions and experimenting with lighting. And macro lenses can open up a whole new world.
|
|
|
|
||
BetterPhotoJim.com - Jim Miotke  Contact Jim Miotke Jim Miotke's Gallery |
The other thing I wanted to add is simply to move in super close to the spider web. You may need to get your hands on a macro lens, extension tubes, or at the least a long telephoto lens. Such tools will help you fill the frame with this tiny subject. It may sound obvious but this is THE most frequently overlooked tip when photographing any subject, let alone small things like spider webs. Hope this helps ;-)
|
|
|
|
||
|
Dara A. Hughes |
Another thing that you might think about doing if you haven't already taken the picture and if you plan on taking more then one of it is to kind of get it at a diagonal angle. I've learned that little insignificant but beautiful things such as little intricate spider web are a little more appreciated at a diagonal angle. I hope this helps as well. Hope it turns out well. D.H.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Yogita Joshi |
Thanks! Let me give you a little history about this. This web was not supposed to be where it was and that was in our living room. I was granted only a day's time before it would be cleared :( I tried my best with the limited knowledge I've got but the photos have not come out well. I will definitely follow the tips you have given, while trying something like this the next time...and make sure I reach a level where I will be able to proudly upload the photos I take. Any more tips are welcome....again...thanks a lot...
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||
