Foxes

This close-in portrait, with a slightly unconventional composition, caught my eye amongst many fine entries in this contest, and takes my well-deserved top spot. The relatively wide aperture and long lens has thrown the background pleasingly out of focus, but avoids looking like a cut and paste that can look unrealistic. The detail in the fox's fur and whiskers is lovely, and photographed directly from the side has created a very captivating wildlife portrait. Congratulations on your winning image.

What a beautiful image of an equally beautiful creature. I love how you have captured the fox curiously emerging from the garden plants, all captured with lovely detail and ensuring everything looks natural as the eye would see it. The image looks to have been sensitively edited, avoiding and harsh shadows or highlight areas, but keeping everything bright and richly saturated. Congratulations on your third place finish.

The gorgeous soft lighting really makes this image, adding an extra dimension to a stunning wildlife shot. Composition and framing works well, with the fox classically positioned over to the right and looking into the frame, with plenty of surrounding landscape to add context and avoid looking too cropped in. Colours look nice and natural, giving the fox a beautiful pinky-red glow under the early morning light. Congratulations on your second place finish.

I love the gentle softness you have managed to convey in this image, suiting the subject perfectly. The extreme long lens has been focussed spot on, with pin-sharp focus on the eye and fur, with the rest of the scene nicely out of focus. Textures on the soft long fur are lovely, with colours kept natural. Svalbard is certainly a very special place to visit, and you have been rewarded with your efforts with this beautiful shot. Well done on your top ten placing.

A beautiful fox indeed, as aptly described in the image title. Superb capture of the textures of the thick fur, looking especially touchable on the thick bushy tail and the delightfully soft ears. It works for me that the creature is not gazing directly into the camera as it makes the shot seem more natural and does not show the fox looking over-alert or fearful with human presence. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.