‹ Previous Macro & Close-up Gallery Next ›

Spider web pearls

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted September 24, 201296 views7 comments

After a few bush league efforts in the past, I think I finally have a spider web worthy of NPN (could'nt find the spider anywhere). In dense morning fog, hundreds of spider webs magically appeared in our neighborhood, and I concentrated on this orb spider web. (Although water droplets on webs are favorite photo subjects, I chanced on a fascinating 2010 scientific study of the phenomenon, summarized in a BBC report. Search and you'll find it.)

Although I used a macro lens, I cropped considerably to get this close-up view, but I think it is still of decent quality. I just liked the composition, along with the droplets and visible traces of the web itself. The web was backlighted but the sun was still behind fog, giving nice diffused light, and a grassy bank in the distance made the green background. Although there was a light breeze, I was still able to get several sharp images with autofocus.

Canon 7D, 90mm f/2.8 macro at f/6.3, ISO 500, 1/400, handheld.

C & C welcome, Dave Thomas, Leesburg, Virginia

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on September 24, 2012 at 6:40 PM

Well seen and taken! There is considerable noise in the background.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on September 24, 2012 at 7:22 PM

Beautiful web abstract. I really like dewey web shots and this one is super because of the terrific design, nice light on the dew, and clean bg.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on September 24, 2012 at 8:06 PM

Cool web patterns and well lit drops David, attractive image.
Great BG & contrast to help it all stand out well also

PS - Not sure what you're were asking on the compound eye post

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on September 25, 2012 at 9:55 AM

Very nice. the crop you chose makes this a wonderful abstract.

Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments

Comment posted by Jaymes Dempsey on September 25, 2012 at 7:02 PM

Great composition and details, David. The droplets are lovely. I wish there was a little less noise in the background. Anyways, very nice!

Registered on June 28, 2010, 47 Posts, 590 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on September 26, 2012 at 9:48 AM

The pattern that you picked is lovely, Dave. I like the not irregular pattern and the nearly 50:50 split of light and dark in the drops. I've been looking for one of these for the last week and not had any luck in my yard or the field next door. Nice find.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by David Thomas on September 29, 2012 at 2:36 PM

Thanks for looking and for the comments. I keep learning, albeit often after the fact. In this case I wish I had done some tight macro shots, to eliminate the need for cropping, but I did not realize how much I would like the close-up view. Next time......... if there is one!

Dave Thomas, Leesburg, VA

Registered on June 21, 2010, 30 Posts, 178 Comments