Research Post #3
Alex Wild is primarily an American entomologist who “is curator of a 2 million specimen university insect collection in central Texas” (“About Alex”). He was born in 1973 and became a serious photographer in 2002 (“Alex Wild”). I’ve selected 3 of his jumping spider photos because I love them dearly (jumping spiders and the photos). He has various pictures of many invertebrates and specializes in ants but these are the ones that captured my heart. All of these use a Canon EOS 7D with a Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro Photo lens.
Phidippus audax
Up close with a Phidippus jumping spider (Salticidae). Urbana, Illinois, USA
This one really captures the soul and curiosity of these little guys. Jumping spiders in my experience make excellent models because of their natural curiosity, they'll just look up at the camera like "?". You can tell its looking at something above the cameras focal point, probably Alex himself.
The saucer-shaped eyes of Phidippus jumping spiders help them to track and capture prey. Urbana, Illinois, USA This next one the spider is looking directly at the camera. I love the little dew drops you can make out on her head. These photos just trigger the cuteness aggression in me so badly.
Paraphidippus aurantius
Portrait of a female jumping spider.
Urbana, Illinois, USA The third picture is a full body of a jumping spider. I think she either doesn't notice him, or doesn't care about him. What a determined hunter.
I've already taken many jumping spider pictures but given that they're my favorite animal I love seeing other people photograph them.
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