Deinopis subrufa (Net Casting Spider) #3
The Location:
A very tight, isolated corner at the rear of my home in Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia.
The Subject:
Seemingly suspended in mid-air this marvellous specimen of a female Deinopis subrufa (Net Casting Spider) was all set up with her net for a night’s hunting when I found her just before sunset on a very grey, damp summer day.
The spider’s location and orientation made it extremely difficult for me to make a good shot but with some patience, perseverance and experimentation using the fence post to brace the camera, I finally made a couple of shots for my collection.
The shot was made looking down at an angle with the camera rotated to the portrait format so as to end up with the subject’s orientation in the shot..
The ambient light reflecting back from the white fence post gave the subject a beautiful modelling light.
The Making of Deinopis subrufa (Net Casting Spider) #3:
Fuji S9600: Macro mode, Manual settings of f/3.6 @ 1/50sec, Manual focus, ISO80, Hand held.
Lightroom 1.1 & Photoshop CS3.
Visit the Insects & Spiders collection in my BubbleSite Gallery for more eight legged critters.
UPDATE: 22-01-09
This lovely spider has been featured in the Arachnids Group .
UPDATE: 24-04-09
My net casting Arachnid took out 1st Prize in the 99th Annual Wauchope Show’s Photography Competition in the Fauna – Colour section.
UPDATE: 30-05-09
This acrobatic arachnid has been featured in the All That is Nature Group.
UPDATE: 9-7-09
My suspended Spider has been featured in the Insects, Bugs and Creepy Crawlies Group.
UPDATE: 9-7-09
Mrs Deinopis has been featured in the Colour and Light Group.
UPDATE: 17-7-09
Mrs Deinopis WON the Mood & Ambience Group’s Creepy Crawlies Challenge.
Enjoy!
SPIDERS
(Click the links!)
Deinopis subrufa – Net Casting Spider
Nephila plumipes – Suspended Animation
Nephila plumipes – Time Tunnel
Nephila plumipes – Lunch is Served
Nephila plumipes – No-one Home
Argiope Kaiserling – Dragon Slayer
Diaea evanida – Flannel Flower Defender
Diaea evanida – Dinner at Five #1
Diaea evanida – Dinner at Five #2
Araneus bradleyi – Enamelled Spider
Deinopis subrufa (Net Casting Spider) #3 belongs to the following groups:
! 100% !, ** Super Macro Photography (Two Per Day ), All That is Nature (Photography Only), Arachnids, Australian Wildlife, Former DPF Members, Fuji Fine (3/day, Model Req'd), High Quality Animal Images - 1 Submission a Week, Insects, Bugs and Creepy Crawlies (2 A Day), IPA -International Photographers Alliance, Mood & Ambience - Strictly Photos, New South Wales Photography, Style! Class! Elegance! Excellence!, Top Shelf Wildlife & Nature Art and Urban Wildlife Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters
Stephen Mitchell
However you managed this shot, this has got to be the scariest photograph I’ve ever seen!
Excellent macro, love the detailing in the webs.
Dennis Gay replied
G’day Stephen,
Happy to have you with me on my prowl around the garden and that you are the very first Bubbler to comment on my scary spider.
Thank you heaps for your most encouraging and positive ”...Excellent macro…” wrap for my arachnidian photography.
I had a feeling of awe not fear when I saw the result in the camera’s screen. The combination of slight under exposure and reflected natural light has given this a fantastic effect.
GB
Dennis
Sharon Johnstone
Wow…stunning macro work Dennis!!!!!
Dennis Gay replied
G’day Sharon,
Very nice to have you with me on my prowl around the garden and that you have spotted my scary spider.
Many thanks for your most encouraging and positive ”…stunning macro…” wrap for my arachnidian photography and for all those !s.
GB
Dennis
pene
great shot !!
Dennis Gay replied
G’day Pene,
Lovely to have you with me on my prowl around the garden and that you have spotted my scary spider.
Thank you kindly for your succinct yet encouraging ”great shot!!” wrap for my arachnidian photography.
GB
Dennis
Laura S
I do not like spiders but I have to admit that this is an amazing macro. This spider looks like wood. You did a fantastic job Dennis, as always! :)
Dennis Gay replied
G’day Laura,
So good to have you with me on my prowl around the garden and that you have spotted my scary spider.
Muchos gracias senora for your most encouraging ”...amazing macro…” wrap for my arachnidian photography.
I can never understand people’s aversion to spiders. After all we are much bigger then them and can squish ‘em to death in a second. Also there are only a few species which can be detrimental to our health and these can usually be avoided or at least treated with care. I do admit that I jump when I see one scuttle or jump but that is simply becuase the sudden discovery and movement stratles me but arachnophobia? No way!
GB
Dennis
GailD
I don’t like spiders either but this is a great shot. Fantastic light. Great detail. All good.
Dennis Gay replied
G’day Gail,
Happy to have you with me on my prowl around the garden and that you have spotted my scary spider.
Thank you so much for your most encouraging ”…great shot…” wrap for my arachnidian photography.
Afraid of spiders???!!! Read above.
GB
Dennis
barkeypf
Your lighting is outstanding as is your photo.
Dennis Gay replied
G’day Paul,
Great to have you with me on my prowl around the garden and that you have spotted my scary spider.
Muchos gracias senor for your most encouraging ”…outstanding…” wrap for my arachnidian photography.
GB
Dennis
Carol Barona
yuck, but wonderful capture!
Dennis Gay replied
G’day Carol,
Lovely to have you with me on my prowl around the garden and that you have spotted my scary spider.
Thank you muchly for your most encouraging ”…wonderful…” wrap for my arachnidian photography.
Waddyamean “yuck”!? She is beautiful and you have hurt her feelings now.
GB
Dennis
Dennis Gay
UPDATE: 22-01-09
This lovely spider has been featured in the Arachnids Group .
My utmost thanks to the Hosts and to all who have supported her.
GB
Dennis
Robyn Bohlen
WOW….as much as I dislike spiders, they fascinate me as well….from a distance, of course ;). What a great capture this is…..Really nice ;)
Dennis Gay replied
G’day Robyn,
So sweet to have you with me on my prowl around the garden and that you have spotted my scary spider.
Many thanks indeed for your most encouraging “WOW…” wrap for my arachnidian photography.
Thank you too for the honour of adding my portfolio to your watchlist. I hope it lives up to your expactations.
GB
Dennis
Rosalie Dale IPA
Congrats Dennis on the Feature – so well deserved.
Dennis Gay replied
G’day Rpsalie,
Hoow good to have you with me on my prowl around the garden and that you have spotted my scary spider.
Thanks indeedy for your most encouraging “…well deserved…” wrap for my arachnidian photography and your well wishes on the feature.
GB
Dennis
Dharna
What a stunning capture Dennis. Spiders are such a fascinating creature and this one is no exception. I have seen this spider on nature shows and am amazed. You did soooo well getting this so sharp in hand held.
My daughter had a huntsman she raised from a spiderling. She used to catch flies and hand feed him (with tweezers)
Dennis Gay replied
G’day Dharna,
Great to have you with me on my prowl around the garden and that you have spotted my scary spider.
My utmost thanks for your most encouraging “…stunning…” wrap for my arachnidian photography and for your very interesting anecdote.
Thank you too for the honour of adding my spider to your favourites and my portfolio to your watch list. I hope it lives up to your expectations.
The white fence post was most handy for two things – as a camera support and as a reflector.
GB
Dennis
Dennis Gay
G’day Shane Walker …. wherever you are …..,
Thank you for the honour of adding this work to your favourites. I can only assume by this action that you like it. Please fell free to return any time to let me know just what it is you like about it.
GB
Dennis
John Vandeven
Wow…Fantastic shot Dennis.
Not only this one but all you spider shots.
Well done mate and congrats on the feature.
Dennis Gay replied
G’day John,
So cool to have you with me on my prowl around the garden and that you have spotted my scary spider.
Thank you very much for your most encouraging “Wow…” wrap for my arachnidian photography and for your well wishes for the feature.
Thank you too for the honour of adding my spider to your favourites.
So glad you are enjoying the journey.
GB
Dennis
christina mente
WOW!!!!! Thats amazing what did you use?
Dennis Gay replied
G’day Christina,
How nice to see you on my prowl around the garden and that you have spotted my scary spider.
Many thanks indeedy for your most encouraging “WOW!!!!!…” wrap for my arachnidian photography.
Thank you too for the honour of adding my spider to your favourites.
To see what I used and to read the whole story I suggest you go to the top of the page and read the accompanying narrative. 8-)
GB
Dennis
Dennis Gay
UPDATE: 24-04-09
My net casting Arachnid took out 1st Prize in the 99th Annual Wauchope Show’s Photography Competition in the Fauna – Colour section.
A big THANK YOU to the show Judge and to all who have supported these works. Without such encouragement and support they may well still be buried deep in my hard drive never to see the light of competition.
GB
Dennis
Nigel Donald
Excellent work Dennis!!
Dennis Gay replied
Howzit Nigel!
Walk and talk softly or you will frighten Mrs Deinopis away.
Your visit to my home, your interest in my spider and your very encouraging “Excellent…” wrap are all much appreciated.
GB
Dennis
Karen Moore
Great !
Dennis Gay replied
Yahoo Karen!
Welcome to my spider hunt.
Your succinct yet encouraging “Great !” wrap for my arachnidal photography is much appreciated.
Thank you too for the honour of adding this Net Caster to your favourites collection.
GB
Dennis
Vicki Ferrari
Great capture Dennis! ‘tis ‘mazing!!!
Dennis Gay replied
Wotcha Vicki!
So good to see you in Port for my arachnidal adventure and that you have caught sight of the lovely Deinopis.
Thank you heaps for your uplifting and encouraging ”...’mazing!!!” wrap for my spidery photography.
GB
Dennis
Uncle Artmonger
Dennis Gay replied
Shazbut Arty!
Thank you heaps for being the Harbinger of such great news. It is indeed an honour.
GB
Dennis
Dennis Gay
UPDATE: 30-05-09
This acrobatic arachnid has been featured in the All That is Nature Group.
My utmost thanks to the Hosts and to all who have supported this suspended spider.
GB
Dennis
Alixzandra
A superb photograph and a well deserved feature. I too, am not a fan of spiders, but still felt compelled to look at this specimen from the safety of my armchair! Your work is quite magnificent.
Dennis Gay replied
Wotcha Alixandra!
Welcome to the Spider’s lair in the corner of my garden.
Thank you heaps for your uplifting and most encouraging ”...superb photograph…” comment for my acrobatic archnidal photography and the WD for the feature, all the way from the UK.
So good to see you overcome part of your fear and really take the time to fully appreciate not just the photograph but the beauty of the beast as well.
Thank you too for your generous remarks regarding my work in general. So glad you are enjoying the ride.
GB
Dennis
Tallow
simply amazing Dennis. All your other photos are amazing also
Dennis Gay replied
Shazam Tallow!
Your visit to my home in Port, your interest in the lovely Deinopis and my work in general and your uplifting Canadian “simply amazing..” comment for my patient Spider is most warmly welcome.
Thank you so much for adding this Arachnid to your favourites collection.
GB
Dennis
gabbielizzie
fantastic capture dennis,congradulations on your feature!
Dennis Gay replied
Aloha GABBIELIZZIE!
Thank you kindly for your visit to my home, your interest in the world of Arachndis, your uplifting and encouraging “fantastic…” comment for my suspended Spider and your cheery congratulations for the Feature.
GB
Dennis
walela
Fantastic!!
Dennis Gay replied
Prost WALELA!
Nice of you to join my insect ‘n’ spider hunt in my back yard.
Many thanks indeedy for your succinct yet encouraging “Fantastic!” comment for my spidery photography.
GB
Dennis
Kathleen Stephens
Dennis, it is just an amazing creature! The lighting gives it a more regal feel. I love spiders and you have such a great collection of them!
Dennis Gay replied
Cheers KATHLEEN!
Be verrrrry quiet and move verrrrry slowly or you may frighten Mrs Spider away.
Your arachnidal admiration and your praise for my spidery collection are most warmly welcome.
GB
Dennis
bygeorge
Well done, great shot Dennis – deserved the feature :-)
Dennis Gay replied
Hellooooo GEORGE!
You will have to wait in line to get a good look at this lovely net caster as the RedBubble crowd is getting bigger and bigger.
My utmost thanks for your appreciative and encouraging ”...great shot…” comment, the WD and the congratz for the Feature.
GB
Dennis
valandsnake
fabulous, amazing capture and thanks for the interesting info on how you achieved this wonderful shot. Congrats on the feature
Dennis Gay replied
Nannoo Nannoo VAL!
Good to see you made it to my place before the storm hit.
Thanks big time for your very cheery and encouraging “fabulous…” comment for this close-up, your appreciation of the narrative and the congratz for the Feature.
Thanks too for the honour of adding Mrs Deinopis to your favourites collection.
GB
Dennis
Adrian Kent
Astonishing hand held shot, absolutely awesome.
Dennis Gay replied
Viva ADRIAN!
Always room for another spider lover at my place mate!
My warmest thanks for your uplifting and encouraging ”...absolutely awesome.” wrap for this arachnid study and for the honour of adding it to your favourites collection.
GB
Dennis
Prasad
That’s excellent work!!!
Dennis Gay replied
Prosit PRASAD!
It’s getting very crowded in my back yard but just elbow you way in and you will get a good look at this eight legged beauty.
Many thanks indeed for your supportive and encouraging ”...excellent…” comment for this work and for the honour of adding it to your favourites collection.
GB
Dennis
Dennis Gay
UPDATE: 9-7-09
My suspended Spider has been featured in the Insects, Bugs and Creepy Crawlies Group.
My warmest thanks to the Hosts and to all who have supported this agile Arachnid.
GB
Dennis
Dennis Gay
UPDATE: 9-7-09
Mrs Deinopis has been featured in the Colour and Light Group.
Many thanks to the Hosts and to all who have supported this dangling Arachnid.
GB
Dennis
GeorgieH
Astonishing – seems like something out of a Tim Burton movie. Beautiful light and detail, very deserving of all accolades thrown at it!
Dennis Gay replied
Happy Days GEORGIE!
Mrs Deinopis and myself thank you very much indeed for your visit to our home, your arachnidal admiration and your most interesting and encouraging “Astonishing…very deserving…” wrap for this spidery study.
We thank you too for the honour of adding the work to your favourites collection.
It certainly does look “other worldly”.
GB
Dennis
Dennis Gay
G’day Rémi Bridot .... wherever you are …..,
Thank you for the honour of adding this work to your favourites. I can only assume by this action that you like it. Please fell free to return any time to let me know just what it is you like about it.
GB
Dennis
cyclops
Dennis
Do u work for Discovery Channel!
Dennis Gay replied
Hola CYCLOPS!
Muchos gracias for adding my Spider to your favourites collection.
Q: “Do u work for Discovery Channel!”
A: No, are you offering me a job? 8-)
GB
Dennis
Dennis Gay
G’day Flavia Ferriera .... wherever you are …..,
Thank you for the honour of adding this work to your favourites. I can only assume by this action that you like it. Please fell free to return any time to let me know just what it is you like about it.
GB
Dennis
cyclops
i wish i cd ‘ve been in position to do so Dennis, urs is one of the finest capture!
Dennis Gay replied
Hola CYCLOPS!
Thanks for the return visit and feedback. Very kind of you.
GB
D!
StaceyH
What a magnificent spider, absolutely fantastic capture, instant favourite
Dennis Gay replied
Merry Be STACEY!
Great to have a Mitchellian join my Arachind adventure.
My warmest thanks for your enthusiastic and encouraging ”...magnificent…” comment for this creepy close-up and for the honour of adding it to your favourites collection.
GB
Dennis
Carla Jensen
Congrats on your win in the Mood & Ambience Group Challenge!!! This is a very stunning image of a really creepy looking spider!!! love the lighting and the details are amazing! Excellent work wtg!!
Dennis Gay replied
Carumba CARLA!
Glad you could get over your touch of arachnophobia to take a closer look at this lovely net caster.
Your cheery and encouraging Odessan congratz, ”...amazing!...” comment and WTG are much appreciated.
So too is the honour of you adding this spidery effort to your favourites collection.
GB
Dennis
Dennis Gay
UPDATE: 17-7-09
Mrs Deinopis WON the Mood & Ambience Group’s Creepy Crawlies Challenge.
Both of us would like to thank all who voted, the Hosts and all who have supported this suspended spider.
GB
Dennis
Marvin Collins
This is a great image Dennis, congratulations on the win!! I don’t know how I missed this the first time around, amazing work!!!
Dennis Gay replied
Hi Ho MARVIN!
Thank you big time for your Arizonian congratz and “great image” wrap.
Better late than never mate!
GB
D!
Darren Stones
Excellent, Dennis. Congratulations on your challenge win.
Dennis Gay replied
Gadzooks DAZZA!
Your Victorian erstwhile and encouraging “Excellent” wrap and accompnaying congratz are muchly appreciated mate.
GB
D!
Jeff Stroud
This is truly amazing! even is real life one would not see a thing this close… Thank you for getting up close and personal…
Thank you for the tech info too!
Congrats on your Win!!!!
Dennis Gay replied
G’day There JEFF!
Tread softly and talk in a whisper or you will frighten her away.
Thank you big time for your enthusiastic and most generous ”…truly amazing…” comment for this spider study, all the way from the USA.
Thank too for your encouraging congratz on the win.
Happy that the info could be of use to you.
GB
Dennis
Baynanno1
Fabulous capture! I know how hard it is to get the angle without losing the shot.
I have shots of these spiders, both male and female and an intact abandoned net, but have not yet seen a spider ready to capture it’s prey.
Dennis Gay replied
Aloha BAYNANNO!
Welcome to Port Macquarie and my home on my spider hunt.
Thank you big time for your uplifting and encouraging “Fabulous…” wrap for my archnidal efforts.
This is the second of these spiders I have seen, the first being at rest in the St Andrews Cross position so I consider myself a very fortunate photographer.
GB
Dennis
Dennis Gay replied
PS: My warmest thanks for adding this scary spider to your favourites collection.
GB
D!
Dennis Gay
G’day A. M. Ruttle .... wherever you are …..,
Thank you for the honour of adding this work to your favourites. I can only assume by this action that you like it. Please fell free to return any time to let me know just what it is you like about it.
GB
Dennis
BethanyS
This amazes me..
Incredible photo!
Dennis Gay replied
Hello to the amazed BETHANY!
Welcome to Port macquarie and my back yard on a spider hunt.
Heaps big thanks for your most encouraging and supportive ”...Incredible…” wrap for my hovering Arachnid.
GB
Dennis
Dennis Gay
G’day Roka .... wherever you are …..,
Thank you for the honour of adding this work to your favourites. I can only assume by this action that you like it. Please fell free to return any time to let me know just what it is you like about it.
GB
Dennis