Leafcutter Handiwork

Image Critiques Weekly Challenge
1

RJB09014 copy4XN.jpg
RJB09014 copy4XN.jpg2000Ă—1125 255 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Costa Rica
Leaf-cutter ants are very common in tropical jungles. They chop out little bits of leaves (about 1/3 inch) and take them back to their nests to feed the white fungus they and their larvae consume. The nests are usually a series of underground chambers, sometimes housing 1000 ants. They return to the nest in long processions, sometimes over 100 feet long. They can also nest in trees.
Leaf-cutters are an important part of the eco-system, pruning vegetation and stimulating growth, and enriching the soil.

Specific Feedback

I struggled a bit with the crop here - does this pano-style work?

Technical Details

Sony A-1
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II + 2X Teleconverter @144
Exposure Time: 1/250 sec
F Number: f/8
ISO Speed Ratings: ISO 6400
Exposure Program: Manual
Exposure Bias: 0 EV (Zebras)

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
1 Like
2

Cool and interesting – both the image and the information. I like the varying greens and the varying lines – sort of like tracks in sand dunes only different.

3

Good eye to pick this out in the forest Sandy. I like the angled “tracks” across the leaf. Wonderful green colors. There is nothing wrong with the pano orientation, but I wonder what the entire leaf would look like taken at a slightly different angle too?

4

Sandy: Cool find and a fine capture. I find the pattern interesting and wonder why the munching isn’t completely random all over the leaf. Well seen. >=))>

5
  • Vision and Purpose: Story line is clear and is a strong main subject
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood: The humor of the linear bites makes this a fun piece
  • Composition: Well balanced and supports the centered subject with out competing. I have a small doubt about the triangular darkness/void between the center and right leaves - could processing make that have less weight?
  • Balance and Visual Weight: The only weighting issue I have is the dark triangle - I think it pulls the eye away from the bite line
  • Depth and Dimension: To me, it’s important that this be shown life size or larger.
  • Color: Your greens are good — not to over developed
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
1 Like
6

Margaret - Thanks for your comments and suggestions.! Much appreciated!

In this case, the leaf was quite large and the little tiny 1/3 inch chops would be very small in a full-frame, “life-size” image. This is about as small as I wanted them, after trying several crops.

7

Definitely a fun find, well presented.