spiderweb shot - first time critique submission

[monstermum]

I have been trying to capture the colour of this Golden Orb spiderweb. This is obviously not the whole web but one of the securing lines she has made.
I guess I want to know if the composition is pleasing and do I have the right amount of sharpness. Does the photo grab you or is it just blah?
I have some other shots on my flickr if you care to have a look.
I did adjust the exposure a bit with Aperture3 to bring up the web line.

thanks in advance for your critique (the first times doing this is scary!)


_MG_0778 by *monstermum, on Flickr

Canon EOS 50D
Exposure 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 200 mm
ISO Speed 500
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Metering Mode Multi-segment
Color Space sRGB
Exposure Mode Manual
White Balance Manual
Scene Capture Type Standard

[monstermum]

I see a few people have looked at my shot. Thanks for viewing. However I would really appreciate any tips from any of you lovely photo-taking fans!

thanks

[RichardTaylor]

Not exactly a critique.
It could be a little sharper especially the area both sides of the spider.

Aesthetically; I love the lighting and beautiful simplicity.

[monstermum]

thank-you Richard. I really love this shot but I didn't know if it is just me. The camera was hand held and I zoomed right up on the anchoring line of the web (I have a Canon EFS 18-200 lens, love it!) and braced myself the best I could on the balcony rails. The insect is actually a mozzie that got caught. I don't think it was big enough for the Orb madame to pay it the least bit of attention. I am still trying to get the whole web with the colour. Any breeze puts me out of focus rather quickly.
So, would I sharpen in post processing or is there a trick (technique) to getting it first up?
My aim is to get unique pictures that appeal. (like the rest of you out there!)
Thank-you so much for replying. I am like some of the others who have posted and felt a bit discouraged from lack of replies. I try not to be impatient and I understand that there are hundreds of posts to look at.
I tried to ask specific questions but I really lack the knowledge to know WHAT to ask!
monstermum

[RichardTaylor]

It all depends. on the light.
The best pics are those that are good straight out of the camera with just a touch of PPing. If they are not good straight, especially sharpness, out of the camera then you really do have your work cut out for you to try to make something decent..

However if you shoot RAW, and I do, they always need sharpening.

Re the wind, for close ups of flowers and bugs it is almost impossible if there is a breeze about, unless you can shield the subject from the wind.

[monstermum]

Quote: shield the subject from the wind... heh heh...not at 10 feet up.
I have been shooting RAW for the last 6 months so I am dabbling in Aperture 3 now and learning by experimenting.