New Joiners - Animals #613

Although the composition here isn't perfect (I would have preferred them in the centre of the frame and perhaps captured from a lower angle) there is something whimsical and rather endearing about the two prairie dogs as they seemingly have a conversation with each other. The focus and sharpness is good, separating the prairie dogs from the grass in the background, and the subject matter is compelling.

This is a pin-sharp image of a bird that could easily be overlooked as less interesting than other species, but the detail that is evident through the variation in colour of it's feathers and the vibrant yellow of it's eye really make the image. The composition works well, with the inclusion of the branch providing some space on the left of the frame. The bokeh is also appealing, with those yellows and greens of the background complimenting the colours of the heron.

Who doesn't enjoy an image of a fox? You'd be hard pressed to find someone who didn't feel a little bit of affection towards these rather majestic creatures. This shot is full of action, catching the fox mid-yawn. It's actually hard to look at without wanting to yawn myself! Although you're focusing through a chain link fence, this doesn't distract too much from the main subject matter and the focus remains on the face of the fox. A special moment.

Not entirely sure what's going on in this image, but the focus on the baby monkey works well. The lighting in strong but helps to pick out features of the baby monkey's face and the warm tones of the fur are mirrored in the bricks below. It's a shame the parent has been a little cut out of the frame on the right hand side which unbalances the composition. That aside, there is plenty to enjoy in this image.

I rather enjoy that the cormorant is the main star of this image but is actually the smallest element. I like the use of the rocks in the foreground and the overall muted tones. The sky is rather blown out which is a shame but despite that, this composition works well.

This is a cute image with a cool concept. I think it's great that you managed to captured the lambs are standing at equal distances apart whilst drinking water, give or take. The symmetry is what makes the composition, even though the light is rather harsh and there is little separation between the lambs in the foreground and the grass in the background. Sometimes it is the subject matter that makes the shot.

There is a special quality to this image, enhanced by the almost wistful experience you've captured on the monkey's face. Although the monkey itself is the main subject matter, the surroundings and how you've composed help to lead the eye into the heart of the image. Your choice to vignette helps this, and the fact that you've left space between the monkey and the tree trunk works to create some balance. The monkey, however, is the main event, with those eyes staring straight down the camera lens. Nicely captured.

Although this image isn't perfect from a technical perspective, I wanted to give it a special mention because I resonate with the message it conveys and the way you've symbolise that in one frame is commendable (or in this instance, highly commendable). The small, delicate baby turtle eclipsed and engulfed by the footprint within which it finds itself is a clear metaphor for the damage our carbon footprint has done to ecosystems around the world, included the one within which this baby turtle resides. I hope this little guy made it to the sea.

I absolutely love the storytelling in this image. The dog sat in her bed, framed by the window, staring out into the snowy scene. It's idyllic, and reminds of innocent days as a child when everything in the world was new. I like that we can see what is outside too, with those trees hanging on to their autumn foliage. My only suggestion would be to straighten up the window frame as this would make the image even more impactful. Thanks for sharing.

Beautifully made image of a mother penguin with their chick. The cool tones of the surrounding landscape help to elevate the composition and bring out the colours of the penguins, especially the beaks, complimenting some of the colours on the rocks below.. The shallow depth of field ensues that our attention is focussed on the penguins and their bond is demonstrated through the position in which you've captured them. Nicely seen, thanks for sharing.

This image has a cheeky, mischievous feel to it with the 'curious cub' (as you so described) standing up on it's hind legs to get a better look. The light is lovely and soft, picking out various features of the Leopard cub's coat from the recognisable pattern to those ears and eyes. I can only imagine how amazing it must have been to witness. Thank you for sharing.

For me this image is all about contrasts. The horse itself is in rather an unexpected position, rolling on the ground, and the white of the horse contrasts with the darker ground as well as the fence in the distance. The dust kicked up by such an action adds to the atmosphere. There's a serene look on the horse's face that pulls in the eye and asks me to look closer. Lovely shot that has a narrative and story, enhanced by the processing.

Usually I get a little frustrated when horizons aren't perfectly straight, but for some reason it works in this image. The uneven horizon acts as a counterbalance to the tilt of the buoy and doesn't look wrong or off because of that. I like the colours of the buoy and how they contrast with the blue of the sea and the sky. However, it's the grey seals which steal the show, lounging and enjoying the sunshine. Nicely captured.

What a marvellous expression. It's a shame there's not much context provided in the description regarding where you took the image and what the decision making process was behind the tight crop in on the face. For me, it's why the image works. There's no outside distractions from the surrounding environment and we just get to sit and enjoy the serenity of the expression. Nicely seen and captured.