Yucky Spider Not

This spider was weaving its web right outside our living room window. I photographed it against the sunset with my 105mm macro lens.

I recognize that this spider is a citizen of nature and quite visually interesting. However, I also think it looks a bit creepy (or yucky).

A kind Flickrite informs me that it is a common European garden spider, and essentially harmless. So the label is really unfair.

In the meantime, I used Photoshop to enhance the creepiness. Here’s the Ink Outlines filter applied on a layer copy using Multiply blending mode:

Arachnophobia

I think this effect makes it look like the spider is crawling up an eye socket! How’s that for creepiness?

Harold buys most of his digital photo equipment from B&H. Click here for Nikon DSLRs and here for Canon DSLRs. Keep in touch with what Harold is doing! For news, tips, techniques and special offers related to Harold's work and digital photography subscribe to the Harold Davis Photography email newsletter.

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