New Joiners - Animals #637

Photography is all about recording the decisive moment, and the photographer has captured a lovely, intimate moment of interaction between these two birds. The diffused background and warm light enhance the image. For me, the composition is maybe slightly too tight, though - I'd prefer a little more breathing space around the pigeons.

This is an attractive nature shot, with the overlapping bald eagles well positioned and the branches creating an effective frame. While some might argue that the surroundings are a bit busy, the subjects heads are unobstucted and, overall, it is an authentic looking composition.

Storytelling plays an important role in nature photography. This shot conveys a sense of sadness and isolation that prompts the viewer to question captive life. In my view, the shooting angle is a little too high, though - a lower perspective would have created a more intimate result with better eye-contact.

Wintry weather creates beautiful seasonal backdrops and delicious cool tones. In this instance, I love the contrast between the bird's colourful markings and the frosty branches. Only one thing holds this image back - the out of focus branch overlapping the subject's tail. Although totally out of the photographer's control, the branch is distracting. It is the reason why I've not placed this image higher.

I love the texture of the bark combined with the gorgeous markings of this flicker's plumage. The white sky creates a stark. high-key result which is quite effective in my opinion. Unfortunately, while the bark and plumage are razor sharp, the subject's eye is not. And the composition feels a bit awkward too, with the bird's tail abruptly cut off.

Nature photographers have a duty to always put the welfare of their subject first. Getting this close to a nest with young is not a good idea. Doing so will distress parent birds, and disturbance could lead to young being abandoned. Next time, please remember to keep a responsible distance away.

I like nature shots where the subject is small in frame as they often convey more about the subject's surroundings. This shot is well composed. The photographer has positioned themselves carefully to use the branches as a frame - and they also add depth and help direct the viewer's eye toward the subject.

What a beautifully sharp and detailed image. The focus is perfectly on the swan's eye and the shallow zone of focus helps neatly direct the viewer's eye to the point of focus. The natural light is gorgeous and the dark background helps the subject 'pop'. A simple but effective portrait.

I know little about the technical and practical challenges of underwater photography, but I can still appreciate that image's like this are difficult to capture. This image is well timed with the dolphins well positioned and nicely spaced. There are a few little distractions on the seabed that I might be tempted to clone-out in order to create a cleaner end result, but this is an attractive shot from a wonderful encounter.

This is a really pleasing shot. The overcast conditions have produced soft, low contrast light that really suit the subject. The colour and detail the photographer has captured is exquisite - and the depth of field is pleasing, with the background sufficiently out of focus, but recognisable enough to retain a degree of context. The composition and placement of the cranes works well in my opinion.

I like this shot. The photographer has intelligently used the adult elephant to frame the young animal and it is an effective composition. I would prefer a little bit more breathing space, though - particularly around the adult's feet and trunk.

What a fun shot this is. I love the water motion and the energy and interest created by the fast shutter speed. Focusing and exposure are spot-on and the subject's vivid colour adds impact and punch. However, there are a few nasty distractions around the edge of the frame that compete with the magpie for attention. A slightly tighter crop would produce a tidier, simpler shot.

What a gorgeous bird... and beautifully captured too. The focusing and timing are good and the composition effective also. The diffused backdrop and negative space really help keep attention on the subject. And the hint of motion blur on the roller's wings help provide a sense of motion.