We've all had bad hair days, and this Jay is certainly having one here! This is a good photo - and the windblown plumage makes it into a really fun image. For me, the crop is a little too tight, though - I'd prefer a little extra breathing space above its 'mohican' and beneath its tail. But a striking shot none the less.
It is always challenging shooting motion in poor light, but the photographer has wisely selected a higher ISO sensitivity to ensure they can freeze the action. The expression of the rider and horse's awkward position highlight the challenging nature of the contest. The flying sand helps give the image depth and energy.
The photographer has captured a sweet, tender moment between mother and calf. The texture of the elephants skin is wonderful - in fact, I would be tempted to convert this shot to black and white to place emphasis on the shapes and detail captured within this tight composition. It is a shame that the photographer has just clipped the bottom of the mother's trunk by zooming in a little too tight.
This is a lovely shot, but it is so nearly an absolute cracker! The yellow lichen makes a colourful and interesting backdrop for the reptile and the lizard is posing beautifully. Frustratingly, though, the lizard's eye isn't quite pin sharp, and the crop its a little too tight on the left of the frame. I might also be tempted to lift the shadows a little - currently, it looks a little underexposed.
This is a gorgeous shot of a great crested grebe - and a worthy winner of this contest. The light, timing and technique are all spot-on. The subject simply 'pops' from its background thanks to the low viewpoint and shallow zone of focus, while the grebe's pursuit of the falling feather adds interest and charm. A classy image.
100 Images entered
Bees are awkward, challenging subjects. Although it would have been good to see the bee's head - and a slightly larger depth of field would have recorded more of the insect in focus - I like this shot. Seeing the bee buried in the dandelion hunting out pollen is endearing, and conjures up visions of springtime. The clean, diffused background ensures the focus remains firmly on the subject.
Who doesn't love a robin photo? I adore these little garden birds and they are hugely photogenic. I love the timing of this shot, with the bird's beak wide open full of song. Unfortunately, the out of focus branch cutting across the frame, just overlapping its chest and tail, is a nasty distraction and the reason why this photo doesn't quite make my top 10.
93 Photographers
It is the soft, warm light that really makes this close-up shot of two storks. While the composition might have been strengthened had the two birds not overlapped, I do like this portrait. The photographer has captured lovely detail in the birds plumage and managed to avoid overexposing its bright white feathers. The pale blue sky makes an attractive backdrop.
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9,054 Ratings
This might not a 'pretty' wildlife shot, but it does neatly tell a story about man's impact on nature and also the bird's adaptability. The resting flamingos captured against a backdrop of airplane and airport buildings create a stark juxtaposition. It is an interesting environmental shot - well seen and captured.
Brief
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Welcome to Photocrowd’s ‘Animals’ contest for New Joiners! These contests are a chance for new members to introduce their photography to the community, and get a taste of how Photocrowd contests work. They can be entered by anyone within their first 28 days of joining Photocrowd. After 100 images have been submitted the contest closes and the Crowd will start rating the images. The Expert Judge will also be judging the images and writing reviews at the same time. All the winners, both Crowd and Expert, will be announced after 3 days of judging. Make sure you also check out our two other New Joiners contests - ‘People’ and ‘Landscapes’.
