I love macro photography, but to do macro photography, the photographer must get close to their subject, ideally just a few inches from the front of the lens. When your subject is static and safe, like say a flower, no big deal. When your subject is mobile and venomous, like say this spider, now things get interesting. Fortunately, this orb weaver does not possess enough venom to be considered a threat to humans. They have small fangs and not considered aggressive.

This photo was taken in Big Bend National Park, in southwest Texas. Some friends and I were camping out in the desert for a few days. One day while exploring around our campsite, I came across this spider and shot a series of photos. It was slightly windy, and the spider was bouncing on the web. I decided to go with hand photographing, rather than using my tripod. I shot a series of photos, attempting to get a light-colored background, as the spider bounced around in the breeze. I wanted the light-colored background so that the detail of the spider would show.