When I was looking for the spider ID using google, the name of spider will usually appear through Nicky’s checklist. From that moment, whenever I photographed a spider and if I wanted to know the ID, I would search from his checklist directly. Not only spiders but he has great photo collection of other insects like beetles, froghopper, treehoppers and …etc

Here is our ‘nature talk’ with Nicky

How did this passion start? Why did you choose macro photography?
Honestly it only started with a camera that my wife bought me. I had seen beautiful close-ups in books and by others on forums, and told myself that I wanted to take photos like that too.

To me, macro photography is about exposing the details of nature. I often tell others that we can photograph aliens through macro photography. And how true that has been. Even after over 10 years, I still see new subjects to photograph and get surprises in the field.

How did you learn to identify spider?
It started with simple guide books. But like most other visual-oriented people, I made the mistake of identifying based on superficial similarities.

It was only after making acquaintances with arachnologists in Singapore and around the world that I paid more attention to the details involved. I had to check on the appropriate scientific literature to verify identifications and consult experienced arachnologists before making any conclusions. With that, I am much more cautious in labelling any ID to a photo.

We all know that falsehoods can proliferate easily on the internet, and that applies to erroneous identifications as well. A poorly backed identification which turned out to be wrong can be copied countless times on the internet without verification until everyone assumes it to be correct.

Is there any guidance that we can follow when photographing spider?
The general rule is to try to photograph the spider in-situ. You may not get the best angles, but the spider should be most at ease and won’t run about as much as when it is displaced.

The scene is also scientifically more valuable when photographed in-situ, as compared to one where a fake environment or posture is photographed.

Especially when eggs or spiderlings are involved, refrain from breaking any foliage. Doing that would probably mean low to zero survival chances for them.

If identification is important, make sure to take “record shots” first. Shoot from a comfortable distance, get all the angles of the spider, especially the dorsal (top) view, lateral (side) view and finally a close up of the eyes from the front.

Any great or memorable experience(s) you can share with us in your journey of searching spider?
The most memorable ones would be those which underwent months of planning.

I wanted to find the pelican spider in Madagascar and when I finally had an opportunity to visit the island, I made sure to do my homework on the locations and habitats in order to find that grain-sized spider. It also didn’t help that no guides would be bothered to find any small spider for visitors. I eventually found my first pelican spider after a few nights in the forest and ended up high-fiving everyone around us.

What is your recommendation where beginner can spot spider easily?
They are everywhere, even at home. Look under window sills for oecobiids or in corners of homes for pholcids.

For nature parks, try Windsor Nature Park or Admiralty Park. There is no “best” place for spiders. It all depends on which species you are looking for.

Please check this book: Borneo Spiders A Photography Field Guide by Joseph K H Koh & Nicky Bay
A collaboration between a world-class macro-photographer and a pioneer in Southeast Asian spider research, this book showcases the staggering diversity of spiders in Borneo with stunning photography, underpinned by up-to-date and authoritative scientific details.
https://www.nhpborneo.com/book/borneo-spiders/

About Passiena bayi
https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/app/uploads/2020/01/RBZ-2020-0066.pdf

Nicky Bay
Singapore Professional Arthropod Photographer
Please visit his excellent website: https://www.nickybay.com/ for all his amazing macro photos.

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