pinkycat Loc: The Garden State

Just captured a really cool spider. I have him in a bottle. What's the best way to keep him still for shooting without killing him. How long will he last?

tinusbum Loc: east texas

put him in the fridge for about 20 minutes.tom

pinkycat Loc: The Garden State

Thanks, Tom.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Refrigerator or freezer
http://forum.fourthirdsphoto.com/f48/best-way-immobilize-bugs-20391.html
Depending on the spider, be careful when it wakes

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

If you put him in the freezer more than just a couple of minutes will kill him...

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

If chilled in the refrigerator, you have a short time to position legs (move with a toothpick) prior to photography. Spiders can warm-up quickly.

If killed in the freezer, make sure spider is thawed before using toothpick to arrange legs. Obviously, more time to work.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Laf

pinkycat Loc: The Garden State

Too late! I tried to be humane, but he just wouldn't stay still after cooling off in the fridge for 25 minutes. A few more minutes in the freezer were just a bit too much. I feel terrible. Anyway, here are the shots.

As you can see, I did not position the legs. A speedlite is not going to be in the budget for a few months, so I used my tabletop studio lights.

They are a bit overexposed and the hue is a bit off. Until I get the speedlite, DOF is limited.

All were shot with Canon T3, 50mm prime w/Kenko extension tubes (total 118mm).

My main goal today was "focus." Here they are and please provide more advice.

I hope you guys don't mind my "feeble" attempts, but I really want to learn macro. Thanks for your patience.

PS - Anybody know what kind of spider it is?

ISO 100, 1/40, f/1.8


ISO 100, 1/40, f/1.8


ISO 100, 1/40, f/1.8

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

It is a little Jumping spider, which particular Jumping spider I don't know... You can position his legs to get a more natural look and if you steady your camera and or use a flash shots at f/16 to f/22 will produce more detail and less of the foggy unfocused look...

Nice shots, hope you still have that spider would like to see some more. That is a wonderful spider, if you still have him consider that maybe there is something bouncing the flash back towards the lens, try changing the background a little if you take some more shots.

pinkycat Loc: The Garden State

Thanks, Jeff. Yes I did keep him and will try it with the smaller aperture.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

New starting settings:
Increase your ISO to 400; dial Aperture Priority, and select f/4.

Move subjects off of white background.

If on a tripod, go to Live view, and increase your LCD image magnification by clicking the "+" button several times. You can A-F or manual focus while viewing screen.

If still over-exposed, go to Manual exposure as above. Change shutter duration until acceptable results.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Your spider looks like a Bold Jumper (Phidippus audax): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phidippus_audax

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Female Jumping Spider Bites the Dust. Photographing insects in the wild is the challenge, at least for me. Other than a few post I've seen on this Forum I think everyone shoots live insects and not frozen. I would rant and rave a little more, but too tired after work.

pinkycat Loc: The Garden State

Thanks, Douglass! Will do!

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Let me go back and try this again.
For the most part Jumping spiders are better photographed in the area you find them. If you observe for awhile you will see they tend to hang in the same area. Females for the most part are territorial and if you return to the same area you will most likely run across them again. Not always, just depends when they are out foraging. I return time after time to photograph the local jumping spiders. I've tried a few times removing them and taking home to photograph. The will instantly start roaming as to find their way home. They move much slower when left in their environment. You can even coral them with your hand, making them turn around and head back. If you place a stick down for them to climb on the will go to the top and sit for a minute also, just have a place ready to brace your stick and get the shot. Many times they will perch and watch you, making this a great time to photograph also. If you use your Flash, set ISO at 400, Shutter speed 1/200 and aperture at 22 you will likely capture some good photos. The flash and shutter speed will help with spider movement and camera shake. I hope this helps, I just feel attached to the jumpers as I photograph so many.