Oh what a tangled web we weave…..
Tangled web
From a very young age I always remember the saying – ‘Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.’ Whilst I have always tried to live my life accordingly, its relationship with the image is quite simply the fact that it was the first thought that entered my mind when I took the shot at the end of October. The cow parsley was absolutely covered in cobwebs, woven in amongst the drying flowers and stems. The dull and damp morning added another ingredient. Poor lighting but I knew I could add contrast in post processing.
Focusing and composition was a challenge, but I was more aware of the background and how it affected the overall appearance of the picture. I didn’t want it to be in focus, far from it, but I did want it to compliment the subject and provide the contrast necessary so that the cobwebs and lower stalks were clearly visible. The dense backdrop of trees provided the dark upper layer and the grasses in the field the paler lower layer.
This photograph may not be to everyone’s tastes, but it is very much a feature of the countryside in the autumn.
Tangled web yes, deceitful no; just testimony to the creative talent of the humble and sometimes scary spider!
alan frost photography 
6 Responses to “Oh what a tangled web we weave…..”
Great!
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Thank you.
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Hi Alan This shot is nicely done for contrast light against dark. In your quest for a different perspective – why not try backlit webs with dew on – out of focus filling the frame if you have a lens that will get close enough. Minimum DoF. The shot will be about light and your interpretation rather than how a spiders web looks to everybody – descriptive reality. Sharpness is highly over-rated as a concept. Photography the light not the subject. I hope you enjoy the results. Andy
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Thanks Andy. I very much appreciate your thoughts and ideas which will help me improve my photography. The next time I see a web in the right light I will give it a go!
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Lovely!
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Thanks Louise.
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