Baby Animals

What a moment the photographed managed to capture in this one of a kind shot! Whereas the eye goes immediately to the sea lion pup (the main subject in the centre of the frame), the red crabs play a huge role in making this image the unique capture that it is. They don't only add to the appeal of the shot (especially the crab in perfect focus right at the top of the rock that I found myself zooming into quite a few times!), but they also add the splash of colour that a shot of this kind desperately needs to be elevated to the next level. Lastly, contrast and sharpness are both great, gracefully enhancing depth and the many available textures that the viewer voyages through in this image. A stunning capture indeed.

I came across many elephant shots whilst judging this competition, but this incredible capture easily stood out amongst the rest. The fast shutter speed of 1/800s was an excellent choice on the photographer's part as it perfectly freezes the splash of mud above the adult elephant. This simple element, in stark contrast with the bright blue sky, gifts the shot with wonderful detail and dynamism that takes the image to the next level. And it's not just the subjects in the foreground to make this picture a great one, but also what goes on in the background: the landscape, in a pleasant yellow & lime colour scheme. the water, the elephants dotted across the line of the horizon. I'm glad the photographer chose the aperture they did. A wider one would have blurred all the life that goes on past the majestic subjects. Lastly, the incredible sharpness gives the eye what it wants, making every texture beautifully stand out. What a fantastic shot!

This shot made me instantly smile. From the mother's poised pose, gracefully sitting with her feet cutely overlapping and arms reaching out to prevent her child from falling, to the boisterous energy of the baby baboon, hanging upside down, grinning with glee. I'm not sure the concept of 'parenthood' in the animal kingdom has ever been captured with more authenticity and from a more hilarious viewpoint. This must have been a sweet moment to witness in person, and well done to the photographer for managing to capture it so well.