There’s a tired old joke about spiders and web design. I really do try to avoid cliché, but as I fumble through updating my site and fight to turn a passion project into something economically viable, I find myself wondering what kind of radioactivity would make it a little easier. There’s a lot of adages that cross my mind these days, if we follow the thought process to that next step past spiders: Like that working for yourself means more hours than ever for less, and the fact that clicking the shutter button is the least important of a photographer’s tasks. Rather than to complain, though, I mention these things in order to say thank you to you, reading this right now, for being here in this transitional period that is immensely exciting, but with growing pains none the less. I remind myself that’s okay and I hope you agree. Growth is worth it.
This picture comes from a chilly morning in southern Indiana last fall. Ephemeral things that they are, a spiderweb in the woods can be hard to capture as the tiny strands disappear against the background, but the crystalline filigree of dewdrops on this one brings it out clearly. There’s so much more to nature than birds and cute fuzzy mammals, and spiders are such a great example. The instinctual geometry of the web-spinners is fascinating and beautiful, and the stunning creatures themselves and their kin with all of their diverse adaptations are like living art.
So I ask you this, and it is a legitimate question rather than engagement fishing. You can tell by now that I love spiders and other such “creepy-crawlies,” but I know that others feel the opposite just as strongly. I particularly remember a coworker, fifteen years ago by now, whose arachnophobia was severe enough (yes, Patrick, hello, I’m talking about you) that I still feel like I should take it into consideration. Does he even read these? Who knows. But generally, I present the following question for anyone else who may be in that boat: Do you think certain animals require a trigger warning? If so, which ones? Let me know what you think in the comments, via the contact form, on socials, or however else you’d like. While today’s web doesn’t display its architect, I have many amazing arthropods to share- if you’d see them.
Leave a comment