New Joiners - Animals #636

Using wide angle lenses on animals can produce pleasing results that are different and add depth you don't achieve with telephoto lenses. The perspective achieved here is a full portrait of the cow, but also a view of the open field and a small village in the distance. It's a plus to incorporate surrounding environments.

Being able to get that precise moment when action happens is a skill in animal photography and this shot is a great demonstration of it. Great Blue Herons can punch way above their weight class when it comes to prey as you can see here. I suspect it was ready for seconds shortly after this fish was digested.

Centered compositions don't work well in most cases, but this is an exception. The branches wrap around the Great Horned Owl perfectly and provide a nice perch. The background is brighter than the owl, but it's pleasing and does not provide any distraction. Most will be drawn right in by that strong gaze.

This Peacock portrait is powerful and it comes down to light and color. The low key, subtle light hits the bird just right and offers a moody atmosphere to the viewer. Also, the blue tones offer great color harmony and blend in perfectly with the surrounding, dark vignette. This reminds me of an old family portrait.

This shot is probably the most artistic of the entire selection and I love it. It's also a testament that you can get unique images with a cell phone. The colors of the dog in the foreground blend in perfectly with the landscape, while the black dog in the background offers contrast and anchors both parts of the frame.

Introducing comedic elements into any image can be a plus and this makes me crack up. Not only are the sea lions appropriating the lounge chair, but they're also quite charismatic and it comes across through the shot. There might be a third wheel here, but that's just a guess.

I was initially captured as soon as I came across this image. The green tones throughout the frame are very pleasing and work well together. The fruit frames the subject nicely and sets the spotlight on the monkey as well as its behavior. Lastly, you just can't beat the expression. Great work!

Capturing action is a crowd favorite with animal photography. It requires patience and being able to observe and click the shutter at the right moment such as with this Mule Deer image. I like how the image is cropped, which includes the moment of impact at the center of the composition.

The bright, yellow eyes really grab your attention in this cat portrait. What's most interesting however, is how the black coloring in the face blend into the dark background and lead right out of the frame. The image is sharp and the animal's expression comes across as curious and engaging.

It is very difficult to photograph a snake and get an expression or sense of character, but this shot has it. The Tree Boa seems to be smiling and it increases the engagement level with the audience. The eye, colors, and low key background are all strong positives as well.

I don't come across underwater images often in the new joiners contest, so this is quite refreshing. I love the blue, cooler tones and the positioning of the clownfish in the foreground which is offset by the fish in silhouette in the distance. Further, the textures of the surrounding anemone supplement the subject nicely.

Invertebrates always have a unique and alien like look when shot at the macro level, and it's quite intriguing to viewers. Focus stacking can be a lengthy procession and it worked well here to achieve focus throughout the honey bee. The bright background also provides a studio like effect and keeps the emphasis on the subject.

This is such a unique shot and a really cool interaction that you don't see captured that often. I rather like how the Blue Jay and Red Shouldered Hawk are both in focus, which is a difficult thing. The contrasting expressions between the birds also stands out. That said, you know who's boss here.

What a cute and tender moment being that's captured here. The shallow depth of field brings focus on the Barbary macaque, while softening the grass in the foreground and removing any background distraction. Also, the single blade of grass being held by the monkey supports the overall theme of the image.

The rusty red color on top of the rock in this image is subtle, yet offers a complimentary palette to the lizard's yellow tones. I often wonder if I'd spot the lizard in this same situation or simply look past it. This image does have a feeling of warmth, which is welcome as we're still trying to get out of winter.