EXIF:
Camera: Nikon D810
Lens: Nikon 24mm f/2.8
Configuration: Reversed
Extension Tubes: 36mm
Image Stack: 11 images
Stackware: Zerene
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/250 sec
ISO: 200
Flash: Single Nikon SB-R200 mounted to friction arm, fired through DIY plastic diffuser mounted to lens
Stabilization: Handheld
Subject Size: 1cm
Species: Bold Jumping Spider, Male, Phidippus audax
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Finally! I’d seen a few large Bold Jumpers in my backyard with their spectacular iridescent blue chelicerae, but didn’t have my camera ready. When I found this one I brought him inside for a quick shoot. At first I hoped he’d sit still for a tripod mounted focus stack, but that was entirely futile. I then tried to do a handheld stack, but he was jumping around so much that I couldn’t even fire off a single in-focus shot. I resorted to chilling him in the fridge for a few minutes, which is harmless to ectothermic arthropods. That’s what caused the condensation droplets on his eyes. He remained still just long enough to get 2 good stacks, then quickly regained his vigor and was off. I usually shoot at f/8, but in fiddling with attaching a newly made flash diffusor to the lens, I accidentally set it to f/5.6. This cost me in depth of field, you can see the DOF is quite thin for 11 stacked shots.
Equipment used:
Nikon D810 Camera Body
Nikon 24mm f/2.8 lens
36mm Extension Tube, part of 3 piece set
52mm Reverse Mount Ring
Articulating Arm for Flash
Nikon SB-R200 Flash
As always, both an informative and entertaining story. Great work Bryan!
Thank you Christina glad you stopped by!