How to Take Photos of Spiderwebs

Photos of spider webs are beautiful and challenging.

Taking a photograph of a spider's web has more steps than simple pointing a camera at a web and taking the picture. To capture the essence of the web clearly without blurring, several specific steps are necessary. Choose a high-quality camera with professional settings to ensure you get the highest quality picture possible when photographing a spider's web. Take more pictures that you think you will need to get the best shot possible.

Things You'll Need

• High resolution camera with large aperture
• Black screen (optional)
• Tripod

Instructions

1. Wait for a low-wind day. If there is wind present at the shoot, the web will blow, and the shot will probably blur. Early mornings often have less wind than other parts of the day, according to DigitalPhotographySchool.com. If it is impossible to avoid wind, try shooting the web using a stop motion setting on the camera.

2. Set the camera lens to a low f/number for a shallow depth of field. This will bring the front image into focus - the web - and leave the background blurred or out of focus.

3. Set your camera's focus to manual mode. Adjust the focus yourself so that you can keep the web in focus to prevent the spider web from blurring as you take the shot.

4. Place the camera on a tripod. Any amount of camera shake can cause the delicate lines of the web to blur.

5. Position the camera so that it faces the web head on. This will produce the clearest shot. If you photograph from a side angle, the web may appear blurred or not show clearly in the final image especially with a shallow depth of field.

6. Position the shot so that the background is dark or black. This will allow the shape of the web to show, rather than blend into the background. If necessary, you can place a dark object behind the web, such as a black screen.

7. Zoom the camera in as close to the web as possible. This will highlight the detail of the web.

8. If possible, take a picture of the web from both sides. This will provide a different perspective and also ensure you get the best shot.

9. Experiment with shooting the web using the flash and using natural lighting. Take some photos both ways to have the option of choosing the best later.

References

• Digital Photography School: How to Photograph a Spider Web
• Photography Mad: How to Photograph Spider Webs