Spider & Wasp

Just started learning macro. Any help is welcome

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Looks like you missed the focus on the spider, but nice shot of the wasp. What lens were you using? I don't think I'd want to get that close to a paper wasp nest.

Thanks, I used a 100mm f2.8 macro. The spider is cropped pretty tight. I was about 3feet from the wasp on a ladder with a can of spray just in case.
Here is a different shot of the spider

jfitts wrote in post #12436273
I was about 3feet from the wasp on a ladder with a can of spray just in case.

You probably should have got the 180mm if you needed the spray can. Get closer, they won't bite much!!!

Misled wrote in post #12436463
You probably should have got the 180mm if you needed the spray can. Get closer, they won't bite much!!!

I don't think they bite at all, just sting!!

As mentioned you missed the focus on the spider. You can get pretty close with the 100mm macro. Take your time and you will be able to sneak up on them.

I like the wasp.

A trick I use (sometimes) is to approach the wasps with my camera first. At arms length. I look to see how they react. If they are agitated I don't move and give them some time to get used to the camera. I then move my face up behind the camera. The camera shields my movement and the wasps do not notice.

When on a ladder take your time.

Wasps see motion. They do not see you. If you freak and run they will chase. If they get a little aggravated just stop moving for a second. You will notice that they quickly settle down again.

Signs that a wasp is getting upset:
1) They spread their wings.
2) If continued to get aggravated they start to flap their wings. Maybe even open their mandibles.
3) Take flight. Hopefully not to attack.

I snuck up on a wasps nest just like you. On a 6" ladder behind a fenced in garbage dumpster. There was no exit strategy. I was stuck. In the case of an attack I was doomed. :P The things we do.

LIke the wasp shot
Brian v.

Thanks for the tips AbPho. I was using a tripod maxed out so I could not get any closer. I tried to hand hold it but I cant hold the 100 steady enough to get a good shot.