New Joiners - Animals #662

This is almost a strong image, but for this photo to succeed, the osprey needs to be flying toward the camera. As it is, there is no eye-contact or connection between subject and viewer. But this is still a great effort from someone new to nature photographer - keep up the good work.

This is a sweet shot. The photographer has captured a nice moment, with the finch acting curiously and arching its neck while looking into camera. The background is nicely diffused and clutter free. Noise is well controlled despite the (necessarily) high ISO speed.

Graphic, simple and impactful - this is a well captured profile. The inky backdrop helps the lion to standout. Light or dark backgrounds can fool TTL metering systems into error, but exposure is spot-on. This portrait might also work well in black and white.

This is a really well spotted and composed shot. Credit to the photographer for pre-visualising this image and for seeing the potential of using the wall art to create a striking urban nature photo. Unfortunately, the file quality isn't great - possibly due to excessive cropping.

Lundy Island isn't too far from where I live and I know it has a healthy seal population. This is a really nicely captured image - I love the seaweed, context and water motion as it splashes around the animal. However, the shot is slightly overexposed and - ideally - should be re-edited with the exposure slider pulled back by 1/2 or 2/3 of a stop.

I just love the simplicity of this stork portrait. The dark backdrop really helps the subject 'pop'. The photographer has captured the stork beautifully, beak pointing downward and perfectly symmetrical. Exposure, focusing and depth of field are spot-on - the file is well processed too. A really striking image - well done.

This is a very interesting photo and a great bit of behaviour to capture. The photographer has selected a good, side-on viewpoint that helps maximise the limited depth of field available. If the wasp's surroundings were more natural and attractive, I suspect this would be a top shot.

I love the atmosphere of this shot. The colourful, moody sky provides a lovely backdrop for this stork in flight. This is a tricky shot to expose for, but the photographer has done well in-camera, and then revealed just the right amount of shadow detail in processing to produce an authentic and natural looking result.

This is a decent enough flight shot with a clean backdrop. Arguably, the shutter speed needed to be slightly faster to eliminate subject motion altogether (the gull's wingtips are blurred). Generally speaking, bird's in flight work better flying 'into space' rather than out of frame.

The mist adds a beautiful softness and diffusion to this image. It is gorgeous image and brilliantly timed, with all the horses looking in the same direction. Focusing and depth of field are good and the black and white conversion suits the photo perfectly - simplifying the shot yet further. An attractive and classy shot.

Although this image is a little too dark, blue, and moody for my own personal taste, it is a very impactful shot with lots of interest and drama. The shear number of birds creates an engaging natural pattern. I might opt for a slightly tighter crop, though, to exclude the two birds on their own (away from the main flock) near the top right corner.

The shallow depth of field created by using such a large aperture really suits this shot. I like the unconventional overhead angle and the iron fence creates a compelling, diagonal line from corner to corner. The subject's eye is pin sharp, with the catchlight helping to provide depth and life.

This is a pretty amazing shot to be able to capture from your deck while sipping your morning coffee! I'm not jealous at all!? I didn't spot the hummingbird at first, but it certainly adds further interest. I like the composition and the context that the woodland backdrop provides. The image isn't quite critically sharp, though - given the dull light, a higher ISO may have been required to generate a slightly faster shutter. A lovely shot nonetheless.