New Joiners - Animals #651

The use of light in this Praying Mantis image is just superb. I love the fiery bokeh in the background and how it contrasts the cool tones on the log in the foreground. The mantis is the star of the show here as it's captured with a strong engagement factor and pleasing posture. The drops of water and wet feel bring this image to the next level. Well done!

This billy goat portrait is very pleasing and that's mainly due to the light and soft colors. The angled beam of light coming in from the upper right side of the frame lands on the goat's face perfectly and also doubles as a leading line for the viewer. Some softening was applied in post processing which removes distraction from the subject in a good way.

A little chaos, if used properly, can create tons of interest in an animal photograph. I love the all of the motion and action that can be seen as these pigeons compete for some street food. Upon further study, my eyes eventually focus on the two birds that are almost bill to bill in the lower right side fo the frame. Lots of good nuggets in here.

This lizard image is filled with rich green tones and the subject placement jives will with one of the open pockets of the leaf. Also, the slim vertical crop augments the curves and shape of the tall vegetation nicely. I suspect this little guy blends in well with the natural environment.

Wow, talk about a startled look on this ghost crab that mimics a human expression. I've spent time with these crabs before and they can be quite shy. While the expression of shock may be present, this particular individual stayed put and allowed a lucky photographer to get this shot.

This Elephant image is extremely powerful as it tells as a story that goes well beyond the edges of the frame. I'm not exactly sure what the circumstances are behind the image, but it appears to be photo journalism. The fence and subject placement create symmetry and leave the viewer with much to ponder.

Sometimes it's great to stick out from the rest of the crowd and that's easily done here by the lone Zebra amongst a huge grouping of Wildebeest. I've seen similar shots with a predator being surrounded by prey, but not a fellow grazer. A Zebra is a good subject to use in this situation due to their conspicuous color and pattern.

How neat to see a small caterpillar perched on someone's hand that's used to encompass the entire frame. This is a perfect technique to give viewers a sense of scale regarding the animal. While delicate it makes me wonder what this will eventually become at the end of its life cycle.

Talk about being in a relaxed state and enjoying a meal at the same time. The posture of the chipmunk stands out in this frame. I wonder if this position indicates a sense of safety or a method for cooling off on a hot day. Either way, it seems like a good day!

This baby possum image is absolutely adorable and artistic at the same time. It appears some flash was used to illuminate the group nicely. I like the circular pattern that's created as they huddle together and I also don't mind their placement near the center of the frame, which is pleasing.

Any animal image that incorporates their habitat or surrounding environment is a plus in my book. I love this Mute Swan image as the bird is perfectly placed in the lower right of the frame which is the lighter, sky reflected water. The tones are calm and pleasing as well as the grain.

Angry birds can be quite amusing and make for a comical image at the same time. I love the rich colors provided by the out of focus background elements. The surrounding oranges and reds compliment the Pigeon's eyes in a pleasing way. Further, a vertical composition was the right call.

Sometimes an animal wants to be photographed and other times they may not. That is the case with this particular sheep, but it adds character and a bit of humor as well. The yellow and red tags offer a nice dash of color to an otherwise bland palette. A nice candid shot.