IMO, this type of image celebrates the mystery and magic of the photographic process that is often lost with technical advances in optics and emulsions. Its illustrative quality takes me back to a time when it was exciting to capture even the hint of an image. Beautifully seen and executed.
In the spirit of a recent thread about critiques offered in the critique gallery, I will comment as follows.
Thanks for posting this image. I like some things about it and I find some aspects of it to be troubling. Let me begin with what I find pleasing. The first is that I really like the textural aspect of the image. This is different then depicting the texture of an object and relies upon the texture of the medium that you used. Different is nice in this case.
Additionally I like the composition of the image. It has a clearly defined point of interest that is optimally placed in one of the four points best used in photographic composition. I like the pattern of the surrounding leaves and the contrast that is drawn between them and the object of primary interest. This contrast is both of a tonal and a shape nature. The combined effect of both of these aspects lends itself to a pleasing composition and presentation.
The things that trouble me are the degree of tonal demarcation that exists in the lower left and lower right corner of the image. These light areas seem to compete with the point of primary interest as I view the image. Their semicircular shape further contributes to drawing my eye away from the point of primary interest.
All in all a potentially beautiful image with great promise.
I was thinking much along the lines of what Donald said regarding texture and composition, but I disagree with his opinion on the competing points of tonal demarcation. I think this photo would look to flat without those highlights (that's what I call them). Definitely one for the wall.