Help with this picture

[BradT]

This is my first try at a spider web shot. I liked the set-up but had trouble getting focus and blown out hi-lights. Looking for suggestions on ways to improve for the next time.

[theantiquetiger]

First, I would maybe offset it, not leave the spider in the center of the image. You could probably lose the left side of the image since the web is not complete.

I am not sure how to do it, but maybe blur the background even more and rid the background highlights.

[vyeko]

Hi I have DMC-ZS10 and my suggestion for you is that you go in manual mode where you will have more control over amount of light which fall on sensor.
Set first aperture which you like for desired DOF and then manually set shutter speed to avoid blown out on image.Faster then be less light you will get on sensor.
Use histogram and do some test so long that you get right exposure.Faster shutter speed also mean sharper image.Live view is not really good for good focusing.
Try to use tripod for better results.

[Iguanasan]

Vyeko has some good advice there. Spiderwebs can be quite tricky for focus, even with a tripod, as they tend to move in the wind. Also, the angle of the light can make a world of difference. As for the background, you'll want to move around (maybe to the back side) and see which angle is more interesting. I like how you managed to catch the light on the web here which highlights pretty much the whole thing but I think it might have been better to be on the other side as the spider looks like he's on the other side.

[Marko]

The blown highlights are the big distractions for me. HDR on a tripod might have done the trick here

[BradT]

Thank-you all for your suggestion that is what I was looking for. Always find the comments on this forum positive and helpful.
Look forward to trying this again with different angles and experimenting more with Manual mode.

[jjeling]

Dont be afraid to try using your flash as well. I have found that sometimes in weird lighting situations where Im trying to get rid of some of the background light, I will turn on the flash. If done right, your subject will be perfectly exposed and the background will be completely black, leaving you without any distractions. The downside is often it is difficult to nail because your subject is so close, it is often blown out. Just my .02