closeup photo of red and black spider

I came across this while hiking in the woods. I almost walked my face right into it. I believe it is an Argiope aurantia but I am not sure. I enjoy finding things in the wild and trying to identify them later. This research on things (plants, mushrooms, bugs, and animals) has given me a better understanding of them which leads to more respect. I am not afraid of spiders and often find myself getting up close with them. This one didn’t seem to mind.