Texas Brown Tarantula

[Jasper Doest]

I'm very proud that this photograph received a 1st place in the prestigious GDT European Nature Photographer of the Year competition this weekend.

I remember taking it during the ICF Pro-Tour 2008 in South-West Texas and totally forgot about entering it in my final portfolio selection for the Pro-Tour. The photograph shows a Texas Brown Tarantula in a large Live Oak tree. At first sight two very different organisms, but I discovered that they showed similarities in both form and shape. I carefully approached the spider with a wideangle lens and tried to show how well this animal is able to melt with his environment.

Nikon D3
Nikon AF-S 14-24/2.8G @ 24mm
1/320 @ f/2.8
ISO200, RAW
Handheld

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Congatulations Jasper!

A unique view. I like the composition. It tells a story.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Stephen Earle]

The oof tree and the framing makes this imo. Congratulations!

[David Fletcher]

Love the comp and as Stephen said, the oof tree make it too. Congratulations too.

[Marc Mol]

Great perspective and something quite different, the lighting and BG are excellent.
Love the effect it has of looking out through the window, well done Jasper.

[Harshad Barve]

lovely image with awesome perspective , big congratulations
TFS