The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
At first I thought the adult jumping spider had prey. When I looked closer, it seemed to be protecting a gangly kid, but indeed it is prey, as Kris points out below. Found today by a road behind the house, sitting on an exercise machine (for humans).
Specific Feedback
The side lighting was a bit strong. Did I tame it enough? You can see a reflection of my diffuser in the eyes, but I decided to replace my hand’s reflection with black dots/eyeballs.
Technical Details
OM-1 + 60mm macro 1/25 f14 ISO 800
Used Adjustment Brush in LR, then Spot Healing Brush in PS to reduce glare on spider’s legs. Brightened the prey with Nik Viveza. Added a little canvas.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Not sure it’s all that tender, but it is a terrific photo - dramatic and full of pathos for the about to be devoured spider. It is another species (possibly crab judging by the eye configuration) and I don’t think spiders, especially jumpers, are squeamish about cannibalism. Protein is protein and I’ve shot photos of other jumpers eating spiders. Alas.
But I think you did tame the sidelight sufficiently while letting the difference in lighting be apparent. It really brings up the texture well.
Yes, Kris, you’ve made me realize it’s prey. I’ll keep the title, though - now it’s ironic! I’ve also amended the description. Thanks for your critique.
Oh wow, Mike. What a terrific find and capture! Yes, the eye configuration looks like a crab spider. I think you did a fine job taming the light. Excellent shot in every way. I haven’t had any spiders to pose for me this year. It was windy for quite a while here. Too breezy yesterday for me to get a decent shot of my first damselfly. Hopefully I will have some macro shots soon that I can post here.
Mike, the lighting looks very good and the details are terrific! My first thought looking at the small view was that you’d removed any background, it’s minimalist texture sets off the two spiderss very well.
Super capture!! The eyes definitely have it here – on both spiders! Whatever you did to tame lighting looks completely natural, and the sharpness and detail are wonderful. It does look ambiguous and it’s fun to do the face/vase thing with it – it is tender love or a tender snack?
My only suggestion is to tame the OOF leg on the left a bit more but that’s a small point for a wonderful image!
Mike: I’m late to this party but let me add to the kudos. I think the light is terrific and brings out the textures extremely well. Your DOF management is pretty special as well. Most excellent. >=))>
This is such an excellent image. All the good things already mentioned. Lighting is good. Processing is wonderful and the expressions on both spiders’ faces is just priceles.
