I like the use of light here to add some depth and dimension to a scene which is much-photographed. The side lighting has added some interesting shadows which some may find distracting, but I feel adds a three dimensional quality to the photograph making it more interesting. The level positions of all the heads gives the frame a nice balance. The slow shutter speed has meant that the image is a bit soft from some motion blur, but this is a factor of available light - a higher ISO would have allowed more, but introduced more noise. A bit more grain may have added another quality to this image.
Often in photography, the more simple an image is the better it works. Silhouettes are a great example of that, but it is essential that the viewer is immediately left in no doubt as to what they are looking at, as is the case here - arachnophobes beware! This is a simple, graphic and powerful image. The photographer has used the iconic shape of the spider to illicit an emotional response in the viewer. Back lighting the subject in this way has highlighted its obvious form - those hairs from the body really stand out and send a chill down the spine for those not fond of our eight-legged friends. I love the fact that you can also see the thread that it is dangling from. The circular light source perfectly compliments and frames this shot and the black and white treatment adds further impact through simplicity.
100 Images entered
91 Photographers
9,626 Ratings
Meet the expert judge
Converting an image to black and white should add something to the photograph and I think the photographer has made the right choice here. The simplicity of black and white focuses attention on textures, shape and form. In this case, I think it also adds an element of calm to the scene, reflecting the mood of the image. The point of focus is on the eyes and nose, and the lighting has allowed post-processing to concentrate the viewer's attention on the cat's face. The depression in the cushion frames the snout perfectly.
The animation of the hawk has been well captured here, the open beak providing a little drama to the scene. I like the textures in the tree trunk and the colours and bokeh in the left portion of the frame which contrast well. I find the out-of-focus foliage in the bottom right of the frame distracting and the tail feathers have been clipped. This is one of those images that has all the elements of a great photograph and just needs one or two adjustments to take it to the next level.
Puffins have a wonderful human-like quality about them with their clownish faces. During the breeding season, they are very approachable on places such as Skomer where this image was taken. This adult is collecting sandeels to feed its young. I really like the water droplets and the dirt on its face - it tells a story of the tough time these birds have finding enough food and avoiding the gulls who are always keen to steal their catch as they come back from the sea. I also like the angle of the puffin's head, inclined slightly towards the viewer. The background is also uncluttered which helps the attention to be drawn to the right areas of the image. The composition is good and the tight crop works well.
Macro, by its very nature, most often produces images with a very shallow depth of field, unless you employ focus stacking. These jumping spiders are tiny, and this image lets us into a world we don't normally see. The focus is on the eyes, as it should be, which are pin-sharp. The rest of the spider blends away with enough detail to give the viewer just enough, including the prey -, the detail fading like its life in the clutches of the predator. I like the angled composition as it adds an element of drama. The image is rather dark and could be improved by a levels adjustment in post-processing to elevate it.
Direct eye contact is so important to create an immediate connection with the viewer, especially for cute and fluffy mammals such as this raccoon. The overall pose captured here is nicely balanced and sits in the frame in a pleasing way, the front leg framing the animal's face. The lichen-covered tree adds complimentary tones and texture, and the background is clear and uncluttered. The overcast conditions have allowed lots of detail in the fur to be captured. It is a bit of a shame that the tail disappears out of the bottom of the frame, but a good photograph nonetheless.
This image tells the viewer a story of where these animals are found. I like the general concept of this with the deer and their prominent antlers running along the central portion of the image. I don't think the square crop really works and would lose the sky at the top of the image with a tighter crop.
Animal images work best when they illicit some form of emotional response from the viewer. Direct eye contact and a human-like quality can achieve this aim, as is the case here. The squirrel scores immediately on the cute and fluffy scale, and the photographer has captured it in such a way that there is an immediate connection with the viewer. The animal is well composed in the frame, the focus is on the eyes, the background is smooth and uncomplicated, and the expression on the squirrel instantly compelling, oozing bags of personality. I would have liked a touch more space at the bottom of the frame, but a minor thing only. Good job!
Who doesn't love a squirrel? Images of these animals are always endearing and this photo shows the animal in a familiar environment. I like the placement of the base of the tree in the bottom right of the frame as it anchors the image. The central position of the subject works in this case, and there is just enough space on the left for the animal to 'look into'. The side lighting also works here to help separate the animal from the background, which is quite cluttered. The pose is a classic and works, increasing the 'cute' factor. Shooting from a lower angle might have produced a more intimate perspective and cleaner background.
This is a beautifully taken portrait of a family pet. The shallow depth of field employed here has produced a really pleasing result and focused attention on the eyes and face of the animal, the rest of the frame melting away beautifully. The lighting is also really accomplished and I really like the dark background which frames the image perfectly. There is so much detail and character in this, just what you'd want from a portrait image. I find the collar clasp a little distracting as my eye keeps getting drawn to it, but a really nice photo.
Three works really in compositions generally and the photographer has chosen a good crop to compliment the distance between the animals. More space above and below would detract from the impact. Silhouettes work best when the viewer is not left to wonder what they are looking at - it should be obvious as it is here. The central position of the sun is well placed, providing an interesting halo to frame the centre giraffe's head. The fact that all the animals are in similar positions is also important to add pleasing symmetry.
Portraits of lions are a common subject in competitions featuring animals. The males especially can have so much character in their faces, such as this old warrior - his face tells so many stories of his life. The direct eye contact is what engages the viewer here and is essential to make the image work. The lighting is soft enough to bring out all that great detail in the fur - so many tones and textures to enjoy. The shallow depth of field concentrates the viewer's attention where it needs to go. The portrait orientation is the right crop here, but I would have lost a bit more of the space at the top of the frame.
Brief
See more contest details
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’.
Who could not be drawn into staring straight down that wide open mouth?! The image captures more detail than I have seen in similar photographs - I think because the angle shows more of the inside of the mouth than most which grabs my attention. The lighting is a little flat, and I would have cropped tighter, losing the dark strip at the top and a little off the left hand side of the frame.
A lovely portrait of a Sandhill Crane with loads of detail. I like the composition and the nice clean background which focuses attention on the bird. The exposure is good, the overcast conditions perfect for capturing lots of detail - just what you want with an image like this. The post processing has a light touch which I like.
