Shaji Narayanan  


Fighting Ants by Shaji Narayanan

June 2022 - Fighting Ants

About the Image(s)

Nikon Z6 with 105 mm macro lens under natural light.

I visited this conservation area in Ajman Emirates (UAE) on weekends to look for interesting macro subjects (Butterflies or any insects). These ants were fighting for long time and were not ready to give up until I left the location


This round’s discussion is now closed!
5 comments posted




Barbara Asacker   Barbara Asacker
(Group 65)
Welcome to our group Shaji,
Lovely image. You captured sharp details on the flower and ants. Good exposure. The yellow flower against the blurred green background is striking. However, I would prefer to see the subject off centered. Nicely done.   Posted: 06/08/2022 14:28:05



Charles Ginsburgh   Charles Ginsburgh
Great image ! Your image really captures the essence of a macro shot, and shows us some natural behavior in a way that we might not otherwise see it. Your subjects are sharp as is the flower element that they are located on. Your background is colorful and soft and sets off the main subjects nicely. In this case I do not mind the centered aspect of your subjects. Here they are the main attraction so a centered position is appropriate in this case. It is a bit difficult to determine which parts of each ant belongs to which (subjects merge together) but the only way here to avoid that is to choose another time to capture the event where each participant was more cleanly separated from another. If I had to find something to change (which is difficult here) perhaps I might remove the small soft bit of a yellow bloom that is located on the lower right near the stem. Also the stamen on one bloom is touching the bottom or so nearly so that it appears so. Here I might correct that by cloning off the tip of the stamen or cropping a bit lower on the bottom. Yes, I know that these are small, minor quibbling points so take them with a "gain of salt". Finally, I would have liked to see a bit more information as to how you collected the shot in your description. Adding the camera settings allows us all to understand your thoughts in trying to collect the shot.   Posted: 06/09/2022 13:18:22



Murphy Hektner   Murphy Hektner
Hi Shaji: Welcome to Close-up Group #63.

Overall you have done very well in photographing this event in nature, a good nature story showing the two Ants fighting. The soft green out of focus background supports the yellow flower very well, a nice blending of colors in nature. You have attained good sharpness through out the picture. Charlie has mentioned a couple of small items in the bottom right corner; on the left side of the frame the yellow flower stalk is very close to the left border, It would be good to leave a little more "breathing room" space from the end of the flower stalk to the edge of the picture area. Looking forward to viewing your fine work in the coming rounds.   Posted: 06/09/2022 23:56:01



Priscilla Farrell   Priscilla Farrell
Hello Shaji and Welcome to Group #63.
Excellent image with the black ants on the yellow floral material and a lovely soft green colored background. The colors all work together well. I like the placement of the subject in the frame. Everything is well focused and lit nicely. I agree with the comments regarding the area on the lower right. I would probably clone out the yellow bit of color. Very nice!   Posted: 06/22/2022 14:42:54



Alane Shoemaker   Alane Shoemaker
Shaji, welcome to our Study Group. What a great capture of the ants on the yellow flower! I would love to see the image rotated a little more on the diagonal. I also would clone out the little area on the lower right. Beautiful Image!   Posted: 06/30/2022 22:42:24