The photographer is looking for deeper feedback connected to their intent, creative direction, and specific questions.
Feedback Focus: Artistic + Technical
About This Image
I do weekly photography challenges with another photography group, and this week’s challenge was to try a new technique. So I decided to combine my infrared-converted camera with the macro lens. Why not? It’s double the fun!
While I was walking around with this combination, I happened upon this ant and observed it devour this poor insect from almost start to finish. I think they duked it out a bit, then the ant ate the whole insect, ending up with slurping up its legs like spaghetti strands. It was fascinating to watch, and I tried to take as many pictures as I could while it was happening.
Why This Image?
This was the most dramatic shot of the whole sequence, showing the faces of both the protagonists during the struggle, and before the insect got all crumpled up beyond recognition. I also liked the little detail showing one of the fallen legs of the insect in front of the ant.
What I’m Trying to Express or Explore
This was literally a life & death struggle that unfolded in front of my eyes, and I wanted to convey the drama of it.
Canan: This is an arresting and unique image. In all my years of moderating this gallery (20+) I can’t recall ever seeing an infrared shot. What a marvelous idea and a pretty spectacular result. Most excellent! >=))>
Thanks, Bill The disadvantages of using infrared are that the hot spot gets pretty bad at f/22 and that infrared is a tad soft. But I think they can be dealt with in post with a few extra minutes. The advantages are that the bugs & insects show up as dark against white foliage, getting rid of all background distractions and creating a surreal look. You can look at a messy shrub and instantly see the critters. They can run but they can’t hide! I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages
What a great idea for this combination, Canan! I have never seen it done, but I like it. Yes, life is cruel in nature and hard to watch sometimes. I know it’s the food chain, but it’s hard not to try to “save” the prey sometimes. Excellent shot and a great idea. I don’t have a camera fitted for infrared but after seeing this I would try the combo if I did have one.
Really great idea and execution (if that’s the appropriate word). Fantastic sharpness of focus. I wouldn’t have known about the bit of leg had you not pointed it out.
The really bright background works really well too - which surprised me.
I have wanted to try and make some mono macro images for a while - and I have been looking for great ideas.
Just converting a great colour image doesn’t often work I find.
I am giving a show and tell at the local monochrome group next month so I’ll dig out my full spectrum converted Sony 5100 and see what I can come up with.
Thank you very much, Shirley Yes, this was gruesome but also fascinating to watch. I think it’s a cool combination, especially on sunny days, when the foliage looks white in infrared.
Thanks, Huw, and I’m glad you tried it already. I usually try to have a bright subject against a dark background, but the reverse can work just as well in guiding attention.
I’ve also been thinking about bw macro and tried a few with a regular camera. I think it can work great if you find the right subject, with good texture, tonality range, etc. Converting from color images to bw is the same for macro as for any other picture. Ideally, it shouldn’t be a way to save or do something different with a color image, but should be conceptualized in bw from the beginning.
What a fantastic image – and idea! The detail is just wonderful! Something makes me wonder about a bit of darker gradient from the sides, or even a square crop. Not suggested as an improvement but just a what-if variation.
I’ve been meaning to dust off my IR body and see if I can find some inspiration, but green leaf season feels already on the wane, with the summer heat. Maybe I can find some bugs.
And I neglected to say congratulations on the EP – very well-deserved!!
Thank you very much for the feedback and suggestions, Diane. Have fun with your IR body and bugs–there’s still plenty of green around and fall colors look the same as green to IR-converted cameras.
