Brown Animals

Fisheye views are quite rare when it comes to wildlife, but can provide a very interesting perspective when used properly. I love the center placement of the horse and how the lens exaggerates the nose, while bending the fence away on both sides. A very cute image that would also make an impressive postcard based on the surrounding border that's applied.

This is such a cool image and what an interesting take on the bat. The tight composition gives emphasis on the shapes and lines surrounding the subject. I can't help but think about Dracula or some hammer horror story when I look at it. A very under appreciated animal in photography and conservation.

It's all about simplicity, symmetry, and of course the color when it comes to this cow image. The high key exposure allowed for great detail rendering and a blank background that does not distract the audience. For most images, expression in the eyes is essential, but I rather like that the eyes aren't in view here.

It was quite difficult picking a winner with over 4,000 submissions, but this image really sticks out. I absolutely love how the out of focus plant mimics the Hare's ears and takes this portrait to a whole new level. The composition is strong and such subtle detail invites the viewer to keep coming back. Well done and congratulations!

Another unique animal that was not so common in the contest. The use of flash here and its direction provides great texture on the leafy framing . The overall composition is brought to the next level based on the ant's positioning and usage of dead space in the background to really bring the subject out. I'm feeling a bit of curiosity here as well.

Talk about an expressive look! Brown bears are often portrayed as being ferocious while chasing fish or fighting off potential rivals. This image is different and shows a softer side to a well known apex predator. The tight composition brings the viewer in close and allows one to stare into the bear's eyes and gives emphasis to the supporting arm and claw.

The light quality and captured behavior really make this stag image stand out from the pack. The out of focus layers provide some supporting brown tones and the subject is just stunning to see as it calls during the rut. The grasses stuck between its antlers or paddles help tell the story on what's going on and what might be at stake here.

Introducing human elements into a wildlife image can really help tell a story. I love how the background textures look in this shot and how the minor curve on the ground adds some subtlety. The wide range of interaction among and between the baboons is very strong here and worth a long study.

Baby animals are always endearing and ducklings are no exception. This photo has a cuteness overload to it and almost tempts you to reach in and pick one up to feel how soft and delicate they are. I like how the vignette was applied by allowing a centered duckling to stand out amongst the rest and give the viewer a starting point.

While pigeons are quite common in our urban society, most walk by and don't bother to take a photograph. This image proves that even the most common subjects can have a personality that's worth spending time on. The brown tones really stood out for me in this image and fit the contest brief well. The feather head dress puts it on another level.

What an encounter with such a special animal. Eye contact can usually make or break an image and it's definitely the former versus the latter here. The engagement is spectacular and you're immediately pulled right in upon first glance with this shot. The soft color palette and low angle also provide that extra level of intimacy.

I absolutely love the artistry in this image. You can feel the trot and intensity of the horse in the foreground based on the intimate look we're provided. Further, you have two riders in the distance facing each other and neatly separated by the large legs that are almost walking over the viewer. I also don't mind the angled horizon.

This owl image is delightful and really fits the contest brief well. The subject is cute, the handmade architecture is amazing, and you have many brown tones on display throughout the entire image. The owl placement in the frame, pun intended, is quite strong which allows it to stand out and give the surrounding textures a supporting role.

This squirrel shot is such a beautiful image! It has a very delicate feel to me and that's primarily based on the subject's interaction with the flower. The color harmony is quite good and the soft light is appropriate for the overall scene being depicted. The photographer's patience really paid off here.

I love the symmetry in this image and the low key look that's accomplished by using an artificial light underwater. There were many common or popular subjects in this contest, however, a lion fish was certainly not one of them. This uniqueness helped the image to stand out in addition to its incredible shapes and patterns.