The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Argiope minuta probably was cross when it saw me approach yesterday. It scuttled up to the top of the escape line from its position in the center of the cross-shaped stabilimentum, the extra woven pattern, in its web. It just happened to have chosen an Asiatic Dayflower for its livelihood. (If you haven’t yet seen @Mark_Seaver 's great shot of this flower, check it out). This dayflower attracts many hoverflies, so I imagine the spider has its eye on these.
Specific Feedback
The spider seems to be missing a joint in that protruding leg - in fact, the leg was complete, just caught here at the wrong angle. I considered adding a “fake” joint to complete the picture, but knew this would be spotted by at least one of you - should I have gone ahead anyway?
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We have three petalled Commelina (diffusa) where I live. A very similar plant to the petalled flower in your image. Should you ever be suffering from scurvy, this is your plant! We also have a similar spider (St. Andrews Cross spider).
You’ve captured the colours very well. Vibrant but not saturated. and perfectly complementary. I like the pose the spider has given you, dangling from his/her perch. You’ve even managed to get a nice facial expression with all those eyes.
I would be tempted to rebuild that front leg, just for comparison. It may make the image a little more dramatic? I wouldn’t be bothered with the rear leg.
I am impressed with a 15 shot hand held stack. I’m flat out getting one in focus.
Mike…I recognize the flower… … You’ve got excellent details here both in the spider and the flower. I would suggest a slight burning-in of the spider, especially it’s head (for a bit more contrast). The “missing leg” doesn’t bother me, since its most likely hidden. It is “fun” watching spiders dash for safety and then slowly return to the web center.
Mike, this is a nice shot of this little acrobatic guy. He looks like he is showing off for you. I agree with @Mark_Seaver about darkening the head of the spider some. Nice details in the spider and the flower.
Very nice job, Mike. I wouldn’t worry about the “missing” joints on those two legs. Close examination shows some of the hairs protruding and showing above the “knee” for anyone who’s that picky.
There’s a few artifacts especially on the flower petal and reduce the brightness of the whites which reduce your details slightly. You could reduce the exposure by a third of a stop and see whether that resurrects some of the shadows especially on the spider. Other than that, a challenging subject for a 15 shot hand-held stack–Well done…Jim
Thank you @Dennis_Plank@Mark_Seaver@Jim_Zablotny@Shirley_Freeman@glennie. I’ve used the Adjustment Brush in LR to bring out more details in the spider. The petal artifacts have been reduced a little, but I really must force myself to use my tripod one of these days for stacking (New Year’s Resolution). Glennie, it’s just come out of the clinic with a (hairless) prosthetic limb. I agree it looks more dramatic now!
Mike: Pardon my tardy reply; actually had to do some work for a living this week. Great perch, great BG, great subject. What’s not to like? I do like the post surgery shot. Perhaps you missed your calling . Top notch in every way.>=))>
… You’ve got excellent details here both in the spider and the flower. I would suggest a slight burning-in of the spider, especially it’s head (for a bit more contrast). The “missing leg” doesn’t bother me, since its most likely hidden. It is “fun” watching spiders dash for safety and then slowly return to the web center.
. Top notch in every way.>=))>