Jumping spider ICF 08

[D. Robert Franz]

I'm still editing images from the ICF contest last year. Here I captured a jumping spider on a cactus

Camera Model: Canon EOS 40D
Firmware: Firmware Version 1.0.5
Date/Time: 2008:04:01 02:03:29
Shutter speed: 1/250 sec
Aperture: 11
Exposure mode: Manual
Flash: External E-TTL
Flash exposure compensation: +2/3
Metering mode: Evaluative
Drive mode: Continuous (high)
ISO: 320
Lens: EF180mm f/3.5L Macro USM
Focal length: 180mm

[Julie Kenward]

Love it! Look at the clarity of the eyes and front legs!!! Wow, that is really awesome. Lighting and exposure is excellent, Robert (as always) and the fact that the use of flash doesn't show at all is fantastic. The only thing that bugs me (no pun intended!) at all is the light white spot on the back of the cactus near the hind leg. It does draw my attention and I rather wish it didn't. Perhaps darkening it just a bit would help it blend in better with the rest of the plant?

[D. Robert Franz]

The only thing that bugs me (no pun intended!) at all is the light white spot on the back of the cactus near the hind leg. It does draw my attention and I rather wish it didn't. Perhaps darkening it just a bit would help it blend in better with the rest of the plant?

Yes the waxy sheen of the cactus floweres is really tough to deal with anytime your using flash.. Here I was probably using a small soft softbox to help but still had issues. Probably cross polarization of the flashes would do it but thats a pain in the a**....

[Steve Canuel]

Nice metallic sheen on those fangs and great detail. The spines of the cactus complement the hairy legs.

[Kaushik Balakumar]

Oh what an image ! Love the details & sharpness. Very well exposed frame Robert.

[Mike Moats]

Hey Robert, great in your face shot. Good details on the head, and good DOF

[Aristotle Georgiou]

Wonderful shot with a lot of impact.

Very well done!

[Ed Vatza]

Excellent image. Terrific detail. Very sharp. It just seems a tad tight on the sides. I feel the spider need a bit more elbow room and he certainly has enough elbows. :D