Is it an obsession? I guess it comes close. I love these little guys. I find one, and I feel excitement, I feel elated, I whisper, "Stay right there, don't move, let me get a good shot" and I start shooting from every possible angle and, the more I shoot, the better I feel. It's a drug.
I am aware that my macro shots aren't even that good. Have you seen real macro shots? True, jaw-droppingly gorgeous, incredible macro shots where you can count every single hair on a spider's head? I can't do those. I am never going to be able to make them because I don't intend to get a dSLR or awesome macro lenses or extension tubes etc. I will not be learning to do focus stacking. I will not be using artificial lighting.
In many ways, I suppose, there will be photographers who find my attitude offensive. Why bother if you aren't going to learn as much as you can? How can you even say you love taking photos of whatever it is you love taking photos of if you don't want to improve?
I have no answer. I can only say that I am not a photographer. Just someone with a small camera. I'm content. I apologize for being content and unambitious. I do what I do because it makes me happy. I apologize for being shallow and content and unambitious.
I am sure that the spiders that have been my subjects don't care about the photos I take. And that's all right. Neither do I. At least not in the way that I think I must become the best, the most awesome or the most popular. Sure, I do like some of the photos I have taken but, really, it's the experience that I won't forget. I remember every single encounter, I remember where and when I saw this or that jumper, I remember how it felt to shoot it. I loved that sense of discovery, that burst of excitement.
So I'm wrapping up Jumping Spiders Week with a silly shot that sums up how I feel. I'm just someone with a small camera and I love shooting jumping spiders.
This is a combination of two shots. The texture and blue color come from the wall this little guy was on. The selfie is a severely cropped one taken in the bathroom.
Thank you so much for being patient with me this past week as I shamelessly indulged myself. Words cannot express how grateful I am for your encouragement. This is my 300th shot, I feel I can see the finish line now, I can make it there and I can't wait to complete my project. Thank you for your kindness and support.
LOL! That is how it would have looked that time the jumpy jumped on your camera! If you could have taken a pic of it. I am obsessed too! I feel the same way you describe. I love the "what am I going to find?" when I step out with my camera. You do take very good macro shots. I have come up with a few good ones in my time. But I know what you mean....those TRUE super clear, super detailed macros....they still amaze me! They are like they were taken with a microscope! Some are I think!
You could say this one was caught on camera! It's a nice one to finish the week with, and I have enjoyed the photos - it has also been an education!
Well done for reaching 300. I know it has been a struggle sometimes. I only hope that, when you finish the project, you will not put the camera away for ever.
@janturnbull Even if I'm not on 365, I'm likely to keep shooting. Going out to the parks and mangrove forests to find macro subjects, it's really the only exercise I'm getting! XD
I think your macro shots are perfect. I can't imagine any being any better. Congratulations on your 300th shot! And I love the artsy abstract look with your selfie ;-)
This is so creative and I love seeing your jumping spiders! One must photograph what one is happy to and for oneself! I have no doubt you will get to your goal of 365. I see I have only 34 to go before reaching my 365 and I did wonder many times whether or not I would make it!
I thought I had photographic ambitions. Maybe I still do but I'm not prepared to do anything about it at the moment. Or maybe ever. I suspect I'm too dense to understand some of the concepts and therefore I don't even want to try. Add underachiever to unambitious. I'll come back to your narrative whenever I start feeling bad about myself in regards to my photography. You are a smart cookie.
Anyway...I like the underwater feel of this shot and the ring on your finger. Your photos are special because the enjoyment comes thru. @bobhuegel Well summed up.
Olivia, I love your work and while I know what you mean about the macros where you can count the hairs it doesn't take away from your work. Your composition and joy in taking these photos is truly amazing and what you accomplish without a big fancy camera/lens/ fancy lighting just adds to that amazement I feel when I see your posts. Keep snapping.
Dear Livia. Those pic`s are made with an electron microscope and often been photoshop. Often the colors are painted. Don`t compare with it unless you have those tools. Yours are magnificent they way they are now. and , If I `ve a look at all the comments every day I think a lot of people agree with me .
Liviua you do so put yourslf down. I'd be more than happy to be able to detect let alone capture all those tiny creatures. You have opened up my world enoumously with 'just a little camera'. It isn't the camera that produces amazing captures, it is the person holding it and she like this image is awesome. Fav and congratualations on making 300.
@espyetta & Livia - The problem with those true macro shots is exactly what Livia mentioned in her second paragraph above. The magic of those spiders is ruined by the artificial lighting. The blogger even zooms in so we can see their hand and the big light reflectors. I don't want to see that (but did also like the eggs!!). I want to see each spider's personality, the way Livia shows us. Congrats on 300.
Liv - It's only an obsession if YOU think it gets in the way of your life :) From this side of the screen it doesn't look like a problem. I love the natural way your little arachnid friends look - they smile :)
Awesome capture Livia, congrats on your 300th shot, and i hope you continue after your year is up, i too love to go through my pics and remember where i was for that shot.
Great writing and I know where you are coming from. I only use a p&s and am very happy using just that.
You may not be able to capture the worlds best macro shots but yours are awesome and way better than anything I could ever hope to achieve.
I absolutely love your commentary and share your attitude towards photography. I love capturing what I consider 'beautiful' on camera too but don't care very much about the technical side of things. I just go out snapping and sometimes the shots turn out great and other people love them too and other times the shots are very average. I don't want to go out and buy all kinds of special gear or enroll myself in courses to get better at taking photos. I just want it to stay fun and hopefully along the way I will figure some 'technical' stuff in my own pace. I love your shots because they are honest and really show the passion you feel for the beauty in nature. I really love what you do !
I'm so happy you're obsession with these little guys. This series was such fun to follow and the simplicity and sharpness of of the shots were amazing. Even though I know they were not easy to take. Great job and absolutely love your creativity in this shot!
Although I am not a spider/bug photographer, I have truly enjoyed the joy you have for photographing these fellows (and I even fav'd one!). In any art there are those you push themselves to excel and thrive on learning as much and more about the craft. That is how they find joy in their creative expression. But that doesn't mean everyone, or every artist must create in the same way. And since no human is a carbon copy of another, they shouldn't have to. I think you've found the way the works for you- and as I'm reading through these comments, most us seem to be quite pleased with the way you pursue, photograph and share your passion with us. Keep it up! It's a pleasure to see and share.
Wow, Livia - it is Sunday here and obviously Sunday with you and you have had 52 wonderful comments! Isn't it a marvellous community! I do agree with @pyrrhula in acutely macro shots! The pleasure of getting the most out of your camera is the best part of this!
Brilliant shot to end jumpy week! Love the processing and end result. Staying true to yourself is the most important thing - and that's what you're doing. Your photos are true to your interests and passions and that's why we love them so much. You don't capture the minutiae of the little spiders - but you capture their personalities which are missing in the very technical pics. I love the cuteness, shyness and brazenness that comes through your pics.
That is so cool Livia. Your shot and narrative go perfectly together. The only thing I will say about this shot and your accompnying words is that you are an incredible phtographer who brings her work to life with the accompanying narrative.
Maybe you would be a better photographer if you had all the gear, but I for one say, good for you, stay as you are. You are one of the main reasons why I have shared some of my own personal experiences and feelings as I have got deeper into my project. Your project has given me the encouragement to think that people are interested in what lies behind or alongside the photo.
You take lovely shots and everyone here thinks highly of your photos - which I might add you shoud be very proud of. I have it the same way but with birds, particular all the parrots we have around. They are pretty in colour and they have such beautiful sounds. Great photo and love your work : ) xxx
Well done, Livia! I like your shots of spiders and it is a great final point of your series. I must tell you that I am just like you - obsessed... in photography. I specially bought an expensive cam only with this purpose - to gain more freedom in my experiences. Sure it doesn't depend on that stuff you have but on your personal attitude towards your own loving passion for photography. Your story is very touching but I must tell you - go on with your wonderful pics and first of all for your own pleasure and satisfaction just like me and, I think a lot of other amateurs here! And I agree with you that there is a friendly and kind atmoshere here, too. Our best shots are waiting for all of us....
Your photographs are lovely Livia! and you love doing it so it's win win! It's your project and you can shoot whatever you please and whatever makes you happy. We are all just along for the ride =)
This combo speaks volumes, great colour, lighting and subjects, so well juxtaposed. I think, there is no need to apologise, if you are content, that's fine, you don't owe anyone an apology. Just be yourself, besides we are loving who you are are what you are doing. And congrats on shot 300 :)
Another lovely image! Have really enjoyed your jumping spiders. Don't sell yourself short. You take some amazing images that tell a story beautifully! I always look forward to seeing your project! A big congrats on 300!
I love your spider pics and I'm also crazy about findinf the next bug/dragonfly etc. I hate bringing a pile of lenses flashes etc and taking ages to set up a shot. So not me. I just go into the woods and hope i have enough lighting to see my subject! Congrats on making it to the final leg of your project. I have loved seeing your pics. :)
Fantastic shot, love that you've included a slightly more daring selfie! Your work brings such joy to all that view it, and that's what it's all about! I love viewing your work and am in awe of your abilities and creativity on a daily basis! I think you were the first person I saw when I was first considering signing up back in December and you blew me away then and continue to do so all the time! Love reading your words too!
Beautiful, Livia, and a great caption. I am not a photographer either but I love the way a creative routine like taking pictures every day changes my perception of the world around me. It was wonderful to see you discover the beauty of these spiders through your pictures. Congrats on reaching 300!
I think its a luxtury to be able to indulge and take photos of what you lie rather than having to placate the crowds and take shots of what you think they will like to see.I love your words.. I am at a place where I dont know what I want to do with my photography. I dont know where i am heading. Right now I have to revise for my approaching exams so I am using fillers and thinking.. I do know that my photography will at some stage change.. change to what I love.. Keep doing what makes yu happy.. because if you changedto suit others you will feel lost xxx
If it wasn't fun or something we all loved we would not have joined 365. I find your spider shots very interesting and I have learned things I never knew. I am only 4 shots behind you in this project and I know what you mean about making it to the end. Keep up the great shots.
i cannot believe you don't have macro lenses or tubes or whatever else........your shots are amazing anyway, i thought for sure you must have all of the good gear!!! Your very good at what you do and i definately understand what your saying...i feel the same way, i just enjoy the moment:)
@trude I do use a Sony 30mm macro lens with my interchangeable lens camera, even though it's not suited for shooting bugs and insects at all, it's more for macro shots of non-living subjects. If I wanted better magnification and better shots, I know I should add extension tubes and artificial lighting (and a tripod). But I don't want to lug heavy equipment around, it would make finding bugs and spiders to photograph a real chore. I salute the photographers who do this, and the amazing photos they get from using the right equipment and learning the right skills. I do love looking at what the pros capture. 8)
A great, big, obsessive, labor-of-love, from-the-heart "THANK YOU!" to everyone for taking the time to share your thoughts! I know I will stick to doing what makes me happy. Technical perfection isn't on my list of things to accomplish. I want to say I appreciate your support so much, I am grateful that you do understand where I am coming from. There is no other more important reason for doing this project except that I want to, because it makes me happy to. Thank you so much, and I hope I may have the privilege of your company for the rest of my journey.
I think that your shots are way better than you think they are! Your spider shots are amazing... you seem to get them just right and with great focus... I take no offence... just wish I could get half of mine as decent as yours!
This is a great shot to represent who you are. And nicely done . Wow ! Fav. I understand how you feel about beeing content. It's like with gardening , I enjoy growing my own tomatoes and cucumber etc. but I'll never get into technical stuf like fertilization and soil PH levels . It is what it is. I want to enjoy it.
Oh for goodness sake you got me all excited, for a split second there I one had jumped onto your camera! I should of known better! I hope this is not the last we see of your jumping spiders, that would be too sad.
This is beautiful composition Livia, just saw it, I miss out on people's posts because of timing here: ) This one certainly jumps at you. Congrats on 300!
Livia, I'm really glad that you always have a story to tell about your fantastic shots or the creatures that are your subjects. The big benefit for me is that you take so much trouble to educate and entertain us by sharing the photos you take for your own pleaseure. Doing what makes you happy makes me happy too :)
p.s. you don't half say sorry a lot for a woman with nothing to apologise for :)
l am way behind on commenting - just had a look through your jumping spiders ...they are so cool....l am always on the hunt looking for these guys - musn't be looking hard enough ...the few l have found , l only managed blurry shots ....really amazing shots!!
I love your macros - it's the passion that drives your excellence. Also - I relate with the obsession -- I joke with a friend of mine that the shot is "my precious" - if you followed the Lord of the Rings series, you'll know what I mean. ;-) But even if you didn't, I know you know what I mean.
Congratulations making it to 300. I still feel like such a newbie.
Well done for reaching 300. I know it has been a struggle sometimes. I only hope that, when you finish the project, you will not put the camera away for ever.
Anyway...I like the underwater feel of this shot and the ring on your finger. Your photos are special because the enjoyment comes thru. @bobhuegel Well summed up.
You may not be able to capture the worlds best macro shots but yours are awesome and way better than anything I could ever hope to achieve.
Congrats on 300 as well!!
Maybe you would be a better photographer if you had all the gear, but I for one say, good for you, stay as you are. You are one of the main reasons why I have shared some of my own personal experiences and feelings as I have got deeper into my project. Your project has given me the encouragement to think that people are interested in what lies behind or alongside the photo.
Again, thank you so much.
p.s. you don't half say sorry a lot for a woman with nothing to apologise for :)