New Joiners - Animals #505

I like simple shots, so this image appeals to me. The sea creates a colourful, flattering backdrop and the seal's sleepy expression is appealing. I wonder if this shot could be a touch sharper, though? The animal's fur and whiskers aren't bitingly sharp when you enlarge the file.

Mobile phones produce such good picture quality today. They typical focus very close, making them ideal for close-up images like this - so long as the subject will tolerate a close approach, of course! There is great detail captured in this shot - you can clearly see the bee's proboscis collecting nectar from the thistle.

When I judge any photography competition, I'm always looking for images that standout from the crowd. I like this high-key gull portrait - its very striking and unconventional. I hope the result is created in-camera, rather than using software. I would prefer the negative space to be in front of the subject, rather than behind it.

This is a very attractive shot, nicely captured and sensitively processed. The warm, wash of background colour compliments the fox and focus, exposure and composition are spot on. The low-level viewpoint creates a natural and enticing perspective. Very nicely done!

This is a lovely, atmospheric photo, similar in style to the work of top British photographer, Ben Hall. I can't imagine this was an easy shot to capture, requiring an exposure that coped with the sun's intensity, without losing the lovely, subtle rim-lighting around the two animals. Personally, I might have opted for a little more space above the sun, and a little less foreground. But otherwise I think this is a really top shot.

Good images of small rodents are very hard to achieve. Subjects are busy and secretively, so (assuming this was taken in the wild and not captivity) this is a very good image. The eye-level viewpoint is intimate and inviting. The shallow depth of field and pinpoint focusing draws the eye directly to the mouse. A very good shot.

Its easy to assume a macro lens is the best choice for small subjects like this frog, but a telephoto lens (which has a close minimum focusing distance) will create an attractive shallow zone of focus which is perfect for portraits like this. The image is beautifully sharp, well composed and has a lovely natural feel to it. Well done.

This is a perfectly nice shot, but sadly it is undermined by a lack of critical sharpness. The shutter speed used (1/20sec) is simply too slow. Next time, don't be afraid to increase ISO sensitivity to generate a faster, more practical shutter speed.

What a beautiful reptile, which stands out boldly against a pleasing wash of colour. This shot helps illustrate that you don't need expensive kit to take great nature shots. I would be tempted to tighten up the composition slightly so that the lizard is less central in the frame.

I'm assuming this shot was taken in captivity, as it appears that there is out of focus mesh fencing behind the subject. It is never easy taking shots of captive subjects - it is far better to take shots naturally in the wild. But this is a nice enough portrait. However, for my taste, the colour temperature is a little warm and has made the owl's white plumage look a bit 'muddy'.

This frame-filling portrait really highlight's the shape of the penguin's head, its plumage and markings. The light is warm and attractive and the background colour compliments the subject. The crop is a little tight around the tip of the bird's beak in my opinion, but I do like the simplicity of this shot.

This isa fun shot, full of life and energy. When this image first popped up on my screen, I thought the photographer had done incredibly well to capture both animals sharply on the same plane of focus. However, it is actually a composite of two individual shots. The end result is eye-catching and well executed, though.

I love dragonflies and this is a lovely close-up. I wanted to highlight this shot due to the fact is was taken on an iPad! Not the easiest camera to wield when shooting close-ups, but the photographer has done well to get into position and capture this shot.

This shot is bitingly sharp and lifelike, boasting great eye-contact. The rich autumn colours create a seasonal backdrop and this is a very nice portrait indeed. It is shame that there is a parked car visible behind the animal - a slight change of shooting angle might have remedied this.

The light is often the key ingredient in successful nature shots. This is a well taken image of a small, often slightly bird. It is a very competent shot - well composed and captured. However, the dull, flat light and shade around the goldfinches eye just dilutes the photo's impact. Had it been shot is better light, I'm sure this image would have comfortably made my top ten.