One of the most exciting parts of my work is capturing images of spiders. This comes in a variety of forms. Multifocus stacked images of specimens are used in descriptions and say more than a thousand words. Additionally, illustrations - particularly of the genitalia - are key components of descriptions that allow diagnosis of closely related species. Then, there is field photography, capturing an image of the subject alive and in its habitat. By getting onto the animal's level and getting 'up close and personal,' you can produce characterful images of these spiders going about their daily lives. My current set up is a Nikon D7000 with a Tokina 100mm macro lens and Kuangren flash.

Araneus marmoreus, Argiope aurantia, Uliodon sp., Phonognatha graeffei, Verrucosa arenata, Cyclosa conica, Arachnura feredayi, Metepeira labyrinthea, Leiobunum sp., Gasteracantha cancriformis, Acacesia hamata, Larinioides cornutus
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Header images: Argiope aurantia (home), Araneus marmoreus (spiders), Leucauge venusta (publications) Dolophones sp. (images), Araneus sp. (contact), Meta ovalis (research)