New Joiners - Animals #642

Cheetahs are stunning cats and something to behold in the wild as their numbers are consistently dwindling. The side light adds a bit of drama as well as the animal's overall expression. Focus is spot on as the cat's face is sharp with the surrounding background being rendered soft and not distracting.

Cows may not always be known for attitude, but this fellow takes the cake! The wooden gate does not distract the viewer much as you're immediately drawn into the bull's expression. This shot makes you wonder what will happen if you dare encroach on the animal's space. Farms are great locations to capture these types of moments.

There's a lot happening in this image which leaves much to the imagination of the viewer. The entire image is black and white with the exception. of some red coloring that adds impact. I've seen plenty of dog portraits, but this one is top class. Great Danes are amazing and this shot speak to that.

When I see a shot like this I can't help but think of the perilous journey, which lies ahead for this young turtle. This is a story telling image for sure and one that I hope comes with a happy ending. We will not know for sure what's in store, but that's what makes an image like this powerful.

Sometimes it's all about the bokeh and this is an example of that. The focus on the dog is spot on, however, the shallow depth of field allows for a pleasing bokeh on the surrounding street lights in the background. I wonder what the subject is thinking based on the contemplative expression.

Upon.close inspection, this chicken shot holds a very cute surprise for the viewer. All animals are protective of their young and it's great to see that on display here. The bright, yellow feathers on the juvenile help it stand out and add an extra bit of complexity to a portrait that would be boring otherwise.

Interaction between two animals can be quite powerful and that's what makes this brown bear image stand out. This species exists in low numbers throughout Europe and I suspect these types of encounter are rare in the wild. The engagement factor is high as you can feel the stare go right through you.

The eyes have it in this gorgeous owl portrait. Red and green are complimentary colors and that combo works so well in this image. The exposure is dead on with the subject's brightness standing out when compare to the surrounding, darker scene. This must have been quite the encounter. .

Wow, talk about adding some interest into a photo! The introduction of a lego character really brings the overall composition together. Bringing the focus on the lego piece with a softness on the rest of the frame results in a pleasing photo. This shot shows that thinking outside the box during an every day encounter makes the difference.

Utilizing a fast shutter speed to freeze action isn't always the best recipe. The blur in the wings of the flycatcher brings a sense of motion to the viewer with more impact. It's an artistic look, which comes from thought and preparation on behalf of the photographer. A gorgeous bird worth capturing.

I really enjoy the cool tones in this jellyfish image. Underwater images are not as common, so it's always refreshing to see these types of images. The primary subject is quite clear to the audience, with the surroudning jellyfish providing support in the composition. This shot makes me want to dive into the open water.

Wide angle photography is not something you see often with wildlife, especially birds. The diagonal line crossing the lower half of the frame brings interest to the composition and supports both Mute Swans well. The wide focal length also brings in a sense of environment and surroundings, which supports the story of both subjects.

Great Egrets are very bright and allow for an exposure that brings out the bird with the rest of the frame being rendered quite dark. I rather like how the bird's bill stands out when compared to the out of focus, green foliage. Further, the lime green surrounding the egret's eye compliments the background nicely.

Snapping Turtles are very fierce animals and difficult to get close to, which makes this portrait something special. I like the dark, low key feel surrounding the edges of the frame which brings attention to the turtle's face. The expression is charismatic and adds interest to the shot. The photographer is close, but not too close.