New Joiners - Animals #610

A rather nice study of Ladybirds who look as if they are gathering to hibernate. The depth of field is good, although the top part of the frame is very soft. The bottom animal is catching the edge of the frame - a slight reframing of the shot could have avoided this.

A lovely use of contrast an light, and the black and white conversion works so well. The pose and composition also works well with the texture of the rug. i really like the way the dog's legs are positioned so they point into the bottom corners of the frame.

Hummingbirds are often photographed with a standard flash set up to freeze the motion of the rapid wing beats. It is nice to see natural light being used in this example. I like the shape and position of the bird, although it is a shame the eye is ever so slightly obscured. What makes the image is the hornet which balances the image and gives another visual focus.

A beautiful portrait - I can sense the love for this animal. The composition is extremely strong, and I like the tight cropping and the decision not to include all of the head. The focus is spot on and the choice of aperture lets the focus fall away beautifully keeping the viewer's concentration in the right place. The post-processing is subtle and works well.

This is a really nice study of a hoverfly and it highlights their importance as major pollinators. The depth of field achieved here is really good, with loads of detail in the insect and the plant. The composition is strong, although shaving a little off the bottom so the darker centre of the flower swept out from the bottom right corner would have made it even better.

Strong eye contact can really make an image stand out and there is no doubting where your eye is draw to immediately in this image. The lighting and post processing vignette effect is very effective and the close composition works well. Great touch.

I think the composition is strong, although I would have perhaps cropped in tighter on just the head and shoulders. The processing and black and white conversion works well and really brings out the texture of the wet fur. This almost looks a little like a pencil drawing.

A great capture of animal behaviour - a rather poignant image depicting the reproduction of a species struggling for survival. What makes it for me is the egret which looks as if he is turning his back and trying to ignore what's clearly going on!

There is so much to like about this image. The most striking thing for me is the direct eye contact which really engages you as a viewer. The wing position is great, the background simple and uncluttered, the lighting superb. I also like the softness from the subtle motion blur to the wings. Beautiful.

A really cheeky image that makes me laugh. Squirrels always make for great subjects and this one is posing so beautifully! I like the expression, the direct eye contact, and the vignetting effect which draws your attention just where it is needed.

This reminds me of those old studio style family portraits. I like the use of the lighting, with just the right balance between highlights and shadows. The pose of the dog is very engaging, the chair framing the animal well. The image needs straightening up a little, but a minor issue.

This image really gives the animals a sense of place and I really like the background of swirling cloud and mountains making me want to be there. Three is always a good number in photography as it brings a balance to an image and I like the way the ledge edge runs across the frame from diagonal corners. I think a little more drama could be brought out in this image in post processing.

This is a very unusual image and has a bit of an Andy Warhol feel to it with those opposing vivid colours. I really like the position of the fish in the frame - the choice not to include more of it is bold and works well with enough negative space below it for it to 'swim into'. A very cool image!

I have always loved the rather goofy effect that close ups with wide angle lenses can achieve with animals such as cows and horses. I really like the rather monotone feel of the image with the dark surroundings and black and white fur of the cow. The coloured ear tags are in start contrast to this and add a welcome and well balanced splash of colour. I am not normally a fan of the square crop, but it works well here.

A beautiful portrait of a loved pet, and a great memory captured forever. The use of light here is really good, the lighter tones of the fur well balanced with the darker background, isolating the subject perfectly. The facial expression and direct eye contact can't fail to draw you in. Leaving space on the left was a good compositional decision,.