This little guy is black and gold all over. Probably the most glamorous looking jumper I've ever seen. He was very calm, very curious. He didn't linger but he didn't run away at once, so I managed to get a few shots.
The question I get asked most often is: Where do I find these spiders? Well, not in my garden, because I don't have a garden! Haha, I live in a small flat, there is hardly enough room for all my comic books. XD
I go to the parks, mangrove forest or nature reserve to look for my macro subjects, including these spiders. Whether I find them or not, is really a matter of luck.
Jumping spiders tend to be on the ground or under the leaves of plants and bushes. Wherever they are, they tend to be on the move, so when I see one, I try to get its attention first. Most of the time, it will turn to look at me. But once it has determined that I am neither delicious food nor good entertainment, it wants to leave. Again, it's a matter of luck how long a jumper will hang around for me to get shots.
Another question I get asked is: Aren't I afraid one would jump on me? To be candid, yes, I don't want one to be jumping on me. But because these jumpers are so tiny, even if one did, I know I won't freak out in a major way and drop my camera. Do they bite? Yes, they do, but they are unlikely to bite unless they feel threatened.
There are spiders I see which I will not go near. Those are the web-spinning, long-legged, brown or black spiders with bloated abdomens. The stuff of nightmares. Too creepy. I cannot shoot those. 8(
But jumping spiders are different. They're tiny and cute. 8D (I've said that so many times, I must be making you roll your eyes now. Heh.)
What a sweetie! Nice job posing for you, great composition and focus. I've thought about getting a NEX for the greater DOF with a 4/3 sensor, it's so easy to adapt old and oddball lenses for them.
@soboy5 You can't see the other 4 eyes from this angle. If you refer to this shot again: http://365project.org/myautofocuslife/365/2012-07-02 you will see how the 8 eyes are arranged, and understand why you usually can't see all of them at once. 8)
Well, this one is priceless ..indeed, he looks like a piece of "gold jewelry." A handsome guy ..and gorgeous capture. You have really become an expert on these little friendly spiders. This collection of spider photos should be sold to a publisher ... one who does books on insects, etc. Beautiful work.
A lot of lines and a nice explanation. it give me the feeling I get to know the spiders and also you better . Do you have a regular job You most spent a lot of time on/for 365. We( I`m ) are great full to/for that. ( Don`t answer if you think it`s to private ) You pic are beyond any critics lonely on top
You really do do them justice; another great shot, who/why would you want to take a shot of the ulgy spiders when you have these beauties to keep you amused:0)
This is another fabulous shot, Livia. I really love his eyes--and wow he does have several!!! I always love to read all your information. Thanks so much for the time you take to include it all.
aha not sure why but i find this really cute! that insects eyes are so adorable! love it! (usueally insects freak me out a bit but this really deosnt! soo cool!
You have me looking for these guys everytime I go out. This is a great shot I found 1 the other day with some really cool colors but the shots sucked big time.
The details on his face as so amazing. Outstanding capture!! Thanks for your nice comments on my photos and well wishes for my hubby. Surgery went well. Hugs!
Fab photo, including composition. I currently have a jumping spider inhabiting the back of my front door. I'm quite happy to leave him there as long as he's ok with me swinging him around every now and then. 8)
@meisen325 No, it has 8 eyes but you can't see all 8 from this angle. The 4 you do see are the front-facing ones, also the biggest. If you refer to this shot: http://365project.org/myautofocuslife/365/2012-07-02 you will see how the 8 eyes are arranged. 8)
He really looks golden - so amazing to see this. I admire your patience - finding these little animals must take some time. Great to read there is some kind of interaction - you are curious about them, they want to check you out :-).
A great, big, glamorously gold-hued, bright and shiny "THANK YOU!" to everyone! Knowing that you have enjoyed seeing this shot puts a crazy grin on my face. Thank you so much for visiting, and leaving a comment. I appreciate every one. Thank you!
amazing shot, Livia! What a gorgeous gold color! Thanks for sharing all the info about interactions with these guys. My first ever interaction with a spider (other than running away in terror) was with a jumping spider. He was in the bathroom of the house where I was staying for a few days, and we had interactions every day. At the time, I didn't know he was a jumping spider, and if I had known he could jump on me, I would have never spent so much time getting close and taking photos! I'm thinking he knew I was his friend, and that's why he didn't jump at me....what do you think?
@ellen There are jumping spiders that like to live in the house and they're great because they will get rid of pesky insects for you. 8) I think, they react like most other creatures and so most jumping spiders won't jump on you unless they feel threatened (but you can tell if they do feel threatened because they'd put on a defensive posture) or they think they can find something yummy on your camera or on you. Haha. They're probably just being curious and friendly! Some people do keep jumping spiders as pets and become quite attached to them. 8)
