Animal Abstract - Textures and Patterns

This is a fabulous image of a zebra, well captured with great pattern detail, lighting and focus. However in my view it is more a straight portrait of an animal, rather than an abstract image as required by the contest brief, so unfortunately the image could not be awarded in this contest.

There were a couple of other similar shots in this contest of a chameleon tail in an abstract spiral, but this image was new to me, so the visual impact of this shot was for me far greater than for images which, although still great, have lost some impact for me as the viewer, having seen them a good number of times before. The colours here are both unusual and striking, shown off superbly against the black background. For this contest, this image has everything - technically great in terms of lighting, focus, composition etc, and the capture of a combination of pattern and texture, all in a wonderful abstract presentation. Super shot, congratulations on your winning image.

It is often not easy to capture the stunning colours of a brightly coloured bird, and the strong colours seen with the eye can sometimes become a disappointment when the resulting image is viewed. Here however you have done a great job, and I especially like the luminance you have shown across the feathers, which accentuates both the form and textures, and also the beauty of the bird. Wonderfully bold and contrasting colours, a pleasure to view. Being picky, I may have been inclined to crop the image slightly to loose the background, such as on the top left and bottom right of the shot, but that is not a major issue. Well done on your top ten placing.

Whilst there is some pattern element to this image in the shape of the curls, it really is all about the texture, which is here in abundance. This is a fabulous example of how to demonstrate texture in a photograph, as any viewer should be in no doubt as to how the subject would feel to the touch. The details in each curl have been very well captured, and whilst everything in in sharp focus, the image retains a softness suited to the subject. Great image, well done on your top ten placing..

I find this shot very engaging - it is a simple abstract composition, but there are so many details for the eye to explore. Your composition works really well, with the raggedy edge of the ear running in a strong diagonal across the frame, and dividing the shot between the rougher wrinkles in the lower part and the smoother ear on the upper half. I especially like the detail of the veins in the ear which you have captured, through the effective use of the light to show the form. Great abstract, well done on your top ten placing.

The bold and contrasting colours were an immediate draw to this shot, strong but not oversaturated. The eye can then explore all the fascinating textures you have captured. When photographed and viewed in this abstract way, it is possible to really appreciate how wierd, yet wonderful, nature can be. A good amount of sharp detail, leaves me curious about whether I would really want to touch or not! Super image, well done on your top ten placing.

One of three zebra images to make my top ten, but another very well executed shot which has cleverly combined both pattern and texture in the creation of the abstract image. Both the short and the longer hairs have been captured with great detail, but you have managed to avoid over-sharpening the shot, which was a temptation not resisted in quite a number of entries. We instead get an image which is both detailed but natural. Well done on your top ten placing.

A late addition to my top ten, I was attracted to the gentle harmony of the colours, and the creative composition and processing of the image. Beautifully captured patterns and textures in the feathers, in a great abstract shot. Whilst there is a lot of the bird in the frame, through the composition and framing you have been able to demonstrate the abstract, rather than a more standard portrait shot of a bird. Well done on your top ten placing.

This is a fabulous image of an iguana, well captured with great detail and focus on the face and textures of the skin. However in my view it is more a straight portrait of an animal, rather than an abstract image as required by the contest brief, so unfortunately the image could not be awarded in this contest.

This is a beautiful image of a peacock's tail feathers. What initially attracted me to the image was the rather unconventional angle of view for this particular subject, being shot across the feathers rather than the usual head on shot of the bird's extended tail feather display. The combined wide aperture and long lens used has created a nicely shallow depth of field which shows off the soft wispy strands of the feathers, and the small area of focus allows the eye to clearly focus on the detail of the textures, then appreciate the rest of the image with its deep rich colours. Lovely lighting contributes towards the success of the shot. Congratulations on your second place finish.

This is an excellent example of black and white work. Whilst the subject is essentially black and white in reality, you have displayed some wonderful tones and contrasts which show off this abstract shot of a zebra at its best. When creating an abstract composition, it can often be difficult to decide how to frame the subject, but I think you have done especially well here, as the shapes, patterns and form of the animal are all wonderfully captured. I also like the added element of the textures from the rougher hairy mane. Congratulations on your third place finish.

This is a fabulous image of a pelican, well captured with great textural detail, and a strong composition. However in my view it is more a straight portrait of a bird, rather than an abstract image as required by the contest brief, so unfortunately the image could not be awarded in this contest.

A wonderful abstract image, focusing very closely on a part of the animal which has interesting and varied textures. I like the contrast you have been able to capture between the short smoother hairs on the body, and the long coarse hairs of the mane. The black and white conversion has been handled well, as the contrasts remain clear, but have not become brash or harsh, instead retaining a naturalness suitable for the subject. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.