Black Animals

This splendid image gives the viewer such an intense, intimate look at the largely unseen lives of an ecosystem too small for most people to truly appreciate. This portrait captivated me with its boldness and a composition that makes me feel like I am standing in the shadow of this giant. I am also impressed that this shot is of a live subject, sometimes tricky in macro insect photography.

There is just something so undeniably human about this image in a way that truly speaks to me. I love the mother sheltering her child from the breeze. Her hair blowing in the wind is my favorite element of the image. I think one could project a number of emotions onto her expression here, which adds to the allure. It's a great work of portraiture in a minimalistic setting.