New Joiners - Animals #618

Wow, what an incredible moment and behavior that's captured here. I've observed White Tailed Deer for many years and have never seen this. The posture captured by the combatants is almost human or kangaroo like. Beyond the fighting behavior, I like how some others are watching an others going about their business. It all makes for an interesting shot.

I love animal photographs that incorporate human elements or interactions with the human world as this shot does. I suspect this bird was attracted to its reflection and saw it as a competitor that need to be quickly ejected. The partial reflection is quite appealing and the overall story is strong in the image.

Magpies can be confiding birds so it only makes sense to take advantage of that for an interesting shot as you see here. I appreciate how the stream enters the frame to support the bird and leads you through the back of the composition. Focus elements are right where they need to be and the exposure is spot on.

You don't always have to include the entire bird or animal in a photograph. At times, it's best to leave some to the imagination as is done with this image. I like the usage of negative space and the how the egret's head and wing are positioned close to the right edge.

At first glance you expect to see a Leopard, or a Cheetah, or perhaps even a Lion in this post and setting. Instead you have a smaller and perhaps less dangerous feline as a stand-in, which works really well. It goes to show how our pets are closely related to their wild cousins.

Raccoons are adorable animals and little Niko is no exception. This image is a very pleasing portrait as it displays some character by the facial expression, which is supported by some great background color. The depth of field works well as the focus gives emphasis to the eyes. I'm glad to hear she's recovered and I hope she's doing well out in the wild.

Lower perspectives are important as they provide intimate views and bring you at eye level to most small animals. That approach was taken here with much success. The post processing is done well to balance the exposure and give emphasis to the amazing orange color on the iguana. The egg consumption is also a nice behavior that's documented for the viewer.

Wide perspective shots that show animals in their environment always hold more interest than a traditional portrait. It also helps that the supporting environment around the cow is absolutely stunning, to include the distant cows, mountain range, and a small farm down below. The "3" identification also provides more interest to the viewer. Incredible shot!

I really enjoy the story behind this image as it's great to see care given to orphaned elephants. The exposure is nicely balanced with the river splitting the frame between a rocky shoreline and the distant mountains in the background. Elephants love water and there's a lot to like for them in this image. I hope their futures are bright.

Certain animal photos will have a comical element and comedy always works well with viewers. This shot, while intense for the photographer, makes you smile as soon as you look at it. The attach, which I hope was subtle, does provide a high level of engagement. I hope the lens survived!

I love the attention to detail that was given to this composition. Specifically, it's the photographer's ability to fill every corner of the frame with the Peacock. The in focus body is perfectly supplemented with the slightly out of focus display feathers that create the entire background. This is an image you can get lost in.

This butterfly image is simply beautiful and highlights the gorgeous color of the subject and the out of focus elements as well. The orange colors throughout the wings are complimented nicely by the background. I rather like the perch as it enters the frame in a diagonal line and ultimately comes into focus with some brilliant pinks.

Who doesn't love a dog image and especially one with a name like Fritz! The bright sand is contrasted very well against the deep blue afternoon sky in this image. The textures on Fritz display well and the red tongue sticks out as a focal point. I'm ready to throw a stick and get some pets in!

This photo is definitely unique when compared to the other images in the contest as it bends toward the artistic side. The blue tones are very nice and the human shadow or selfie is a great touch that adds interest. The sea mushroom reminds one of a cracked egg at first glance.

The black and white conversion or filter used for this image absolutely makes it stand out. This deer shot has minimalism and reminds me of an old film photograph as it has a vintage feel to it. It's also very artistic and would make for great print to be displayed on any wall.