New Joiners - Animals #607

Of all the domestic pet images, this was my favourite. There are so many things to like about this image from the engaging composition to the processing which is spot on. The image leaves me wondering what the cat is looking at. Any pet owner would be pleased to have a picture of their pet as good as this on their wall.

Elephants are a popular photographic subject and it's difficult to create images which stand out from the crowd. They suit black and white conversions really well owing to their distinctive features and textured skin. What I like about this image is the tight crop, a crop which deliberately does not include all of the trunk or ears. This is a bold move, but it works as your attention is drawn to those eyes and your mind is left to complete the image of the animal. The straw on the elephants head almost looks like strands of hair and contrasts nicely with the darker skin. The black and white processing is nicely done and brings out the textures and tones perfectly.

Direct eye contact creates intimacy for the viewer and can be a very powerful element when photographing animals. Strong framing can also add to a photograph's impact and this image combines the two. The tree ensures that the focus of the viewer's attention is on the eyes which are staring directly at you - you can't fail to be moved. The dark tones of the framing tree work perfectly to offset the lighter tones of the subject. Overall a very powerful and striking image which is perfectly composed and executed.

This image is well lit and the focus point is critically in the correct place being bang on the eyes - not as easy as it seems with macro work and the shallow depth of field that these lenses produce. The lighting is good with no blown out highlights from the flash. The composition is also nice with all the concentration on the face and mandibles. I also like the little specs of pollen on the body reminding us of what important pollinators these insects are.

Reflection pool shots aren't new, and I have seen a lot over the years, but this is a really beautiful example. The composition is lovely with the Ramsons and mossy stump to the left of the frame adding balance for the main subject. The Badger is beautifully lit and the reflection is perfect. I would have preferred to have had all of the Badger's snout in the shot and I would also have placed the reflection line in the centre of the image, but overall a beautiful photograph which has been expertly executed.

This is so much fun! I love it when common subjects are photographed in slightly different ways and from unique angles. All the attention of the viewer is focused on the amazing detail captured on the bird's tongue and shows a side to the species that isn't normally seen. The focus is spot on and the eyes are fortunately in the same focal plane as the elements highlighted on the tongue adding to the engagement. I really like the composition and framing of this shot - it brings a dynamic edge to the image and makes you glad your hands are no where near this gaping beak!

Who doesn't love a Red Squirrel? I like images that go beyond just a close up portrait of an animal but also include some context in the form of its environment. Here, the shallow depth of field has kept the focus on the squirrel while also providing it a sense of place. The flat lighting has provided ideal conditions to capture good amounts of detail in both the squirrel and its surroundings. I like the framing of the squirrel with the moss, and the fallen branch behind gives just enough contrast to make it stand out. The composition is solid and the classic pose is very endearing.

This is all about bold composition and I really like the use of the side profile, a distinct change from the more usual head-on portraits I see so often. I also like the deliberate choice not to include all of the head, it really makes the image. The composition is strong with plenty of space on the left for the lion to look into. It makes me wonder what he is thinking.

African mammals really do lend themselves to the black and white approach. I think this has a lot to do with the harsh light that they are photographed in most of the time. I like the side profile and the space that is left on the right hand side of the frame for the Cheetah to look into. The processing is nice and I also like the texture of the out of focus background - had this been processed in colour then I think the background would have been more distracting. I'm glad the little flying bugs at the top of the frame were left in and not cloned out.

The technique shown in this image is extremely effective producing strong contrast between the scorpion and its surroundings. It brings another dimension to the image and really draws the viewer's attention to the subject. I also like the placement of the scorpion in the frame and its position and placement of the rock. It creates a fascination for the subject while the blue tones give it a slight chill....

Zebras are a classic and obvious subject for a black and white image and this one works really well. I love the way the animals are all lined up drinking in almost perfect choreography! A lower angle and tighter crop may have worked even better, but what a great moment to capture.