Electric arachnid (C)

[shane shacaluga]

Was testing a new flash diffusor I made and was photographing a number of my pet tarantulas. I wasnt really bothered about the actual shot just taking loads of images to see how the lighting was

Looking through the files I came across this one of the backside of my curly haired tarantula (Brachypelma albopilosum) which I cropped to keep the abdomen a leg and the OOF eyes

Very little processing done here, the flash has brought out the blond hairs of this beautiful species. Looks like it had a dose of static electricity

Hope you enjoy

D800e
50mm f1.8 + 20mm ext tube
f16
1/160
ISO 100

SB200 Flash with diffusor fired. Handheld

Comments and critiques welcome

[Judy Howle]

Very unusual and cool effect! I'm glad it doesn't look much like a spider though!

[Anita Bower]

I think your flash diffuser worked really well to highlight the hairs. You have interesting pets. thanks for posting,

[Jackie Schuknecht]

I never would have guessed. The flash really brought out the hairs nicely. Perfect OOTB image.

[Paul Lagasi]

I never would have thought Tarantula, I was thinking young Echidna, as above very OOTB

[Gabriela Plesea]

Tarantula it is indeed, although it resembles a cactus plant at first sight!

Lovely effect, keep experimenting, I really enjoyed viewing, Shane

Kind regards,

[shane shacaluga]

Thanks a lot for your comments guys. These large invertebrates have a lot of weird an wonderful features to discover at high magnifications.

[Kerry Perkins]

Very cool image and a perfect example of serendipity! I like the abstract/organic quality of the image and my brain registered "tarantula" right away. Very cool! If it were mine I would use the spot healing brush to evict the little white spots that are on the abdomen (and one on the right margin of the frame a little below your signature).