I’ve just uploaded a brand new mini-course to the Classroom all about photographing a pet jumping spider, and this post will be the Q&A thread for it. You'll need to be level 4 or higher to watch this course. In the course I walk you through: • My first time using the OM System OM-5 MKII for macro • How to approach a photoshoot with a new jumping spider (building trust & reading behaviour) • How to handle a jumping spider during a photoshoot • Jumping spider safety what I do to keep the spider safe and stress-free • A simple look at colour theory and how I use it to build the scene • Using the Platypod system to create secure, rock-solid scenes ⸻ Ask your questions here 👇 If you’ve watched the mini-course (or you’re part way through), use this post to ask anything related to it, for example: • Handling & behaviour questions • Camera/settings questions (especially about the OM-5 MKII) • Scene building, colour choices, backgrounds • How I’m using the Platypod system in this setup You can also share your own pet jumping spider photos or setups in the comments, it’s always great for others to see different approaches. I’ll be checking in here and replying, so drop your questions below and I’ll help where I can. 🕷️📸

First off, a big thank you to everyone for being such an amazing part of this community. Your posts, comments, and support are what make it so special. Now for a few quick updates 👇 First of all, nothing will change when it comes to the free part of this community. Everything you currently enjoy will stay exactly the same. I’ll be trying out the new live features of Skool instead of Zoom at some point. You’re help with testing will be appreciated. That said, I’m going to start tightening things up a bit. Tidying the forum, organising posts, and making it easier to find what you need. I’ll also be upgrading the community to introduce admins and affiliate options, so you’ll be able to earn money by referring friends to join. I’ll be looking for volunteers for admin roles soon. And finally… tiers are coming! We’ll soon have Premium and VIP levels for those who want to work more closely with me, with access to advanced tutorials, Zoom replays, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive Zoom calls. If anyone wants to be added to the waiting list for Premium or VIP, just DM me and I’ll add you! Lots of good things ahead, and thank you all for being part of this growing community! 💪

An old picture where I "Borrowed" my sons toys for some close up shots, I've then added one of my images in as the back ground. I think I was using a Canon 7d mk2 at the time with extension tubes and 50mm prime , I then used the flash off camera with Younguno radio triggers and a neewer small deffuser the flash was placed in front of the figure to the right and pointing down at a 45 degree angle then some card wrapped in kitchen foil to act as a reflector. the flash was set to 1/16 power from memory

Between the car breaking down and the troublesome fridge this week, I was very glad I already had a video ready to go! 😅 I’ve been out testing the brand-new OM System 50–200mm F2.8 IS PRO lens, but instead of just looking at specs, I wanted to see how it performs with one of the hardest challenges in macro photography... bees in flight. They’re fast, unpredictable, and rarely sit still for long, so it’s always a real test of both your skills and your gear. This new lens surprised me in a few ways, and I think some of you will really like the results. Now I’m curious, what do you do when photographing insects in flight? Do you have a go-to technique, setup, or bit of gear that makes it easier?

This Orange swift moth came in to visit while I was decorating last night so rude not to get a shot. This was taken with Canon R6 mk2 with a AstrHori 120mm F11 1/200 Iso 800 and Camon 430 ex 2 flash. I need to improve on low light focus. Quick question if I may ....... whats the best way to get the subject in focus in low light, I ended up using a torch and was lucky enough that the moth didn't fly either away or toward the light , with out it the exposure simulation in the viewfinder and the lcd was really laggy and the only way to improve it was to bump up the ISO but then once I got focus it was too high for the flash, do I need to find a happy medium between ISO and flash power ?