New Joiners - Animals #578
Caron Steele

New Joiners - Animals #578

May 2022

The shallow depth of field works well to draw you in on this image and I like how the hands frame the rabbit. The slight underexposure does add to the mood of the image but I'd still consider increasing it slightly so we can fully appreciate the smaller details.

The black background on this image really helps to draw you into the incredible detail on those eyes. The shallow depth of field emphasises this detail even further and I love how well the colour pops whilst still being natural.

Entry 12901621
11th
21

The framing and composition on this image is great and really draws you in, helped further by the shallow depth of field. I'd consider increasing the exposure on the centre of the image slightly so we can really appreciate the smaller details even more.

The shallow depth of field is fantastic here and whilst it's usually the rule to ensure the eyes are in focus, the focus on that nose and the intricate details really does work well. It just goes to show you can capture great images on a mobile phone in the right conditions!

Entry 12908851
34th
11
Crowd
winner
Entry 12909534
1st
32

I love the pose you've captured on this handsome heron and the subtle golden light is divine: side lighting can be difficult to work with but you've really nailed it here. The shallow depth of field ensures nothing distracting is introduced from the background or foreground.

Entry 12918292
93rd
3
Entry 12918738
13th
19

I love the near perfect symmetry on this beautiful cats face and how well you've captured every intricate detail, whisker and mark. You wouldn't be able to tell that any post processing of the background had taken place unless you mentioned it so great work too!

Entry 12923137
30th
9
Entry 12925612
19th
12

I like how well the mother frames the calf in this image and centralising them both was the best choice when it comes to composition. I would consider increasing the exposure slightly on this image as well as cooling down the white balance slightly but this is a personal preference.

Entry 12933600
33rd
9
Entry 12938731
8th
18
Expert
winner

The angle and perspective on this image is fabulous with great use of the steps as leading lines to draw you in and a beautiful cat in the foreground. The light is aesthetically pleasing and I like the slight desaturation you've done to enhance the colours. more.

100 Images entered

The foreground foliage on this image works as a perfect natural frame and really draws you into this intimate moment. The colour palette is warm and aesthetically pleasing and the focus is great. It can be difficult in these conditions but increasing your depth of field would help ensure both animals are in focus.

Entry 12918925
21st
41

The expression on this gorgeous cat is engaging and aesthetically pleasing plus you can really get a feel for the personality of him/her which is a key yet difficult thing to achieve in animal photography. It works well in black and white and highlights the potential of phone photography.

Entry 12931488
4th
21

Capturing the essence of a subject can be difficult in a single image but this handsome gorilla exudes confidence and intelligence. It works well in black and white although I'd consider increasing the contrast even more to make him pop from the background.

Entry 12934383
36th
10

I love how well you've framed and composed this image with the foreground foliage also adding depth and perspective. The reflections are really aesthetically pleasing and the colour palette is natural and warm. Be cautious with your highlights when photographing a subject that heavily contrasts against the background to avoid blown highlights.

Entry 12941455
16th
17
Entry 12949662
2nd
28
Entry 12953484
25th
12

I love the expression on this squirrel, almost as if he's been caught in the act of being mischievous! The branches help to frame him fabulously and the shallow depth of field removes any risk of distraction in the background. I'd strongly recommend increasing the exposure on this image so we can fully appreciate it.

Entry 12959973
56th
3

You've used the railway track perfectly here as a leading line which draws you into this handsome cat. I love the grungy feel to the image including the muted and pastel colour palette and his somewhat unamused expression. A great overall image.

95 Photographers

Meet the expert judge

9,775 Ratings

Entry 12961968
14th
9

Brief

See more contest details

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’.