First Photo Here - Any advice is appreciated!

[xfloggingkylex]

I had the opportunity to hold one of these suckers not too long ago. It's like holding robin williams hand. Of course this one was defanged so no worrys on bites.

 

[negative]

Black velvet sounds like a good idea, I would like to see it at a lower angle with the background fading to black

 

[spake01]

I had the opportunity to hold one of these suckers not too long ago. It's like holding robin williams hand. Of course this one was defanged so no worrys on bites.

Likely wasn't truly defanged - many pet stores and such will tell you that, but it's only to ease your fears. Even if they did clip the fangs, the spider would force a molt within weeks to replace them.

Black velvet sounds like a good idea, I would like to see it at a lower angle with the background fading to black

I'm going to give this a shot as soon as I can get to the store and get some velvet and see how it goes. Thanks!

 

[W.Smith]

When photographing kids and animals it is important to remember to get down – literally – to eye-level. Their eye-level! That's how the photo will become 'intimate' and get much more impact.
Waist-level finders are a boon!

 

[Divedeepbaby]

As a spider lover I appreciate great shots of them. Your initial image shows potential but as you become more critical of your own work and follow the advice of more advanced photographers you will produce better images. I personally would never use any other background but one that looks like their native habitat. Unless of course you are going to do some photoshop magic and want to eliminate the background. As a Pro underwater photographer I try to always get below my subject and shoot upwards. This is a well known technique to produce impact. Though it wouldnt work for your subject, getting down to eye level like in your later shots makes your image more eye catching. Keep up the good work!!

 

[RMThompson]

I would try to use something smooth and green, to allow for better contrast of the browns and reds of the spiders.

BUT instead of using the camera's flash, try to use existing light. It would be more dramatic, and deepen the color of the spider a lot.

The shot you took with the spider facing forward was the best yet.

Also, if you can't bring him to an object you want in the pic, bring the object to him! I can think of some creepy things to have this guy crawling over.

 

[xfloggingkylex]

Likely wasn't truly defanged - many pet stores and such will tell you that, but it's only to ease your fears. Even if they did clip the fangs, the spider would force a molt within weeks to replace them.


I'm going to give this a shot as soon as I can get to the store and get some velvet and see how it goes. Thanks!

WELL THANK GOD I DIDNT KNOW THAT!!!!!!

but really the kid who's spider it was holds him all the time and he told me it was defanged. good enough for me.

 

[spake01]

Tried something different, but I think I went worse rather than better.

 

[Divedeepbaby]

I like the first of your last two shots. It conveys movement and its pose is pretty good. Suprisingly I find theblack velvet background very appealing

The last image looks like you have spooked the spider? Paitence is a virtue when it comes to capturing a creature in a life like pose, good timing also helps too. Your doing great!