My Encounter with a Spider

Furrow Orbweaver

Wildlife photography has really changed the way I see the world. Recently, I had an experience I never would have expected—with a spider. Normally, big, furry spiders make me want to run. But this time, I had my camera with me, and instead of leaving, I decided to take some photos and see what I could capture. I thought that maybe, if I viewed it through my lens, I’d feel a bit braver.

At first, I kept my distance and watched through a long lens, trying not to get too close. The spider moved so slowly, focused on building its web, like it didn’t even notice I was there. I watched it for around 5 to 10 minutes, feeling nervous but also amazed. The more I observed, the more I felt like the spider was letting me share its space, even though I still had that feeling it might jump on me. Strangely, as I watched, I found it almost… cute? Or maybe I just started to admire how focused it was on its own life.

Fall Cankerworm Moth

What really surprised me was realizing that the spider wasn’t interested in me at all. It didn’t care if I was there or not, and that was almost humbling. It made me think about how, as humans, we sometimes feel like we’re at the center of everything. But animals are just living their lives, like we are, without needing our attention or approval. Wildlife photography isn’t about jumping into an animal’s life but quietly capturing moments from a distance without disturbing them. It’s not about us; it’s about them, their natural habits, and their own space.

So, while I’m still a little afraid of spiders, this experience made me see them differently. Now, I feel like we’re both just creatures sharing the same planet, minding our own business. That’s what I love about wildlife photography—it lets me see these animals as they are, in their own world, and to appreciate the beauty in creatures I never thought I’d look at twice.