What a beautifully captured shot. While, personally, I would prefer a little more breathing space - particularly in front of the hummingbird - this is a well captured and lit image. The high ISO has helped generate the fast shutter speed required. The green backdrop really helps the subject standout. Well done.
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Welcome to Photocrowd’s ‘Animals’ contest for New Joiners! These contests are a chance for new members to introduce their photography to the community, and get a taste of how Photocrowd contests work. They can be entered by anyone within their first 28 days of joining Photocrowd. After 100 images have been submitted the contest closes and the Crowd will start rating the images. The Expert Judge will also be judging the images and writing reviews at the same time. All the winners, both Crowd and Expert, will be announced after 3 days of judging. Make sure you also check out our two other New Joiners contests - ‘People’ and ‘Landscapes’.
It is the lack of eye-contact that ultimately lets this photo down. The backdrop is colourful and complimentary and the subject stands out well. But the timing of the shot isn't quite right - pressing the shutter a few moments earlier or later, when the duck's head was more visible, would have created a more engaging result.
I love that deep blue water - it provides a vibrant backdrop to this mute swan. However, the rock in the bottom left corner is unnecessary, being distracting, rather than adding balance or interest. Also, the negative space would be better place in front of the subject, rather than behind it. Always check for dust spots too - you can see a few 'dust bunnies' in the sky.
This is a really atmospheric shot. I love the shallow zone of focus and the blurry foliage and trunks that provide the subject with a very effective frame - helping direct the viewer's eye to the subject. It is a very natural looking and attractive environmental portrait, but I do find the tree on the far right of the frame a little heavy and distracting.
Photography has an important role to play in conservation, conveying the plight of captive or abused animals and climate change. Although we don't know the story behind this shot, it is a sad looking image with the monkeys seemingly caged and trying to find a way out. Nature photographers can convey powerful messages through their images.
Yes, it is a shame about the wire fencing and branches in front of the heron, but - that aside - this is a lovely capture. The timing is great and the subject is bitingly sharp and detailed. It looks like the photographer has maybe tidied up a few twigs overlapping the subject and they've done a decent job - you have to look closely to see where has been cloned.
I love the kite's pose, with wings and talons outstretched. This is a nicely captured image. The speed and sophistication of modern cameras may have made it easier to capture flight and action, but shots like this still require skill, anticipation, and good reactions. I'd be tempted to process this file with a little more contrast and vibrance so that the shot had extra punch.
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Gorillas have such interesting and engaging faces, full of expression. The photographer has captured lots of character in this frame. The out of focus grass on the left is a little distracting, but the conversion to black and white has helped reduce its impact and also simplified and enhanced the shot overall.
