I was raised by a bug enthusiast father so I've always been comfortable around insects (well, most: I dislike cockroaches, Wetas and maggots!).  I'm originally from South Africa but have lived in Australia for almost a decade. I first took an interest in spiders in 2013 after a bushcare event, when I saw the sheer range and diversity of spiders climbing on top of the weed piles. I bought a guidebook and a maco-lens camera and have never looked back. My passion is for jumping spiders and crab spiders, but I love all types: tiny orbs to big hairy Huntsman. I have been encouraged by my fellow macrophotographers on Flickr, including Robert Whyte, whom I credit with fueling my passion for these arthropods!