New Joiners - Animals #670

There are lots of things to compliment in this photograph. The focus is on the money, the pose and expression of the bird well captured, lighting even and balanced, the background is nicely out of focus isolating the bird, and the post processing is treated with a light touch, the temptation to over saturate resisted. I would like to see the subject a bit more central as the parrot is too close to the right edge of the frame, the space on the left leaving it feeling out of balance. The perch is also rather unappealing, which is a shame.

It is often difficult to get a nice shot of a bird sitting within deep vegetation. I think this image has been well thought out, those two out of focus leaves to the left and right of the head acting as a natural frame and leading the viewer's eye to where it needs to go. The focus is critically on the bird's eye and this creates a connection with the viewer. It's a shame that the tail has been cropped out of the frame, and I would lose some of the darker top portion of the image to balance it better. A curves adjustment would also bring up some of the darker areas of the image.

I like the warm lighting in this image which has captured loads of detail in the downy feathers of these chicks. The close interaction between them as they huddle together is compelling, and I like the balance of the two looking to the left, the third to the right. The branches to the bottom and left of the photo frame the shot. Nice image.

The first thing that strikes me about this image is the eye contact - this is such an important element in a successful image as it creates a connection with the viewer. They are also in sharp focus which is critical. What is really clever here is the photographers use of out of focus vegetation to frame the animal and to mask some of the distracting branches and twigs. This really helps to keep the viewer's attention where it needs to be and balances the photograph perfectly. Well done for making the most of the opportunity.

This is a very accomplished macro image of a beautiful dragonfly. I love photography for its ability to show the viewer detail that can be hidden to the naked eye, such as is on display here. The lighting has enabled the photographer to highlight so many of those tiny details on the dragonfly's body, particularly the hairs which stand out well from the darker background. The focus is in the right area and there is enough depth of field to capture the detail in the animal, but leave the background deliciously out of focus to ensure the viewer's attention remains where it needs to be. I also like the bokeh which is forming pleasing patterns.

This is a very unusual image which I considered for quite some time. Taking away the colour should add to an image and I think that has been achieved here. I can imagine the colour version would draw too much attention to the bright lighting conditions. The conversion to black and white has focused attention on shape, form and texture. I really like the bold composition with the alligator in the bottom half of the frame, surrounded by a reflection free patch of water. The darker reflections at the top of the frame add balance and contrast the lighter tones of the alligator itself. The lack of colour also adds a sinister edge to the image. This photo shouldn't work, but it has been composed and processed in a way that dispels that theory.

Most images of hummingbirds I see are taken with multiple flash set ups and studio style backgrounds, the birds attracted by sugar feeders to these outdoor studios. I like the refreshing and authentic feel of this image as the bird feeds naturally on a garden plant. Technically, the focus is sharp, the shutter speed sufficient to freeze the motion, and the background out of focus to isolate the bird. I also like the complimentary colours. The image descriptions says that no post processing has been applied. I think that a tighter crop would improve the image, and some of the shadow areas on the birds head and underwing could be lifted slightly to reveal a bit more detail.

This is a very striking image, the dark background creates contrast with the brightly coloured jellyfish focusing the attention on their shape, form and colour. I love the close interaction between each one, you really get a sense of their delicate soft bodies. The cool tones give off a sense of calm and I like the balance of the crop which has been carefully considered. This is worth framing and putting on the wall.

Lighting is everything in photography and I really love the soft backlighting in this photograph. That final part of the day, just before the sun sets, can provide some of the most fantastic light of the day as can be seen here. The warm tones have really elevated this, the direction has highlighted great detail in the fur and provided separation between the dog and the background. The shallow depth of field also helps to isolate the dog and focus the viewers attention on it whilst retaining a sense of place. I don't mind the vertical crop, but perhaps a squarer crop, losing some of the bottom and top parts of the frame, would work even better?

An accomplished macro image that has made good use of an uncomplicated out of focus background to isolate the subject. The focus is in the right place, with all the areas of the bee sharp enough to show the viewer the detail that they would want to see. The wings are slightly blurred, but I like that as it adds a sense of reality. The composition is well considered, the stem of the flower arching out of the bottom right of the frame. There are some artifacts degrading the quality of the image slightly and am not sure if this is the result of a heavy crop, or the overuse of denoise and sharpening techniques.

This is a very clever image and I like the play on the sense of scale which makes it rather compelling. The shallow depth of field has been used here to expert effect to focus all the attention on the tiny frog. There is a real sense of David and Goliath here. The composition is spot on and the lighting exquisite. I would darken the right had edge of the frame slightly. Great image.

Some images just have something that you can't quite put your finger on, and this is one of those. It is quite difficult to work out just what you are looking at at first, as the harsh lighting has emphasised the chaos! But once you get past the initial confusion, you find details that are quite appealing. Firstly, the composition is well balanced, the head and body perfectly centred within the frame. The area of focus is in the right place, on the eyes, and the shallow depth of field works well. I love all the rather disgusting detail in the pond weed that surrounds the animal and covers parts of its head. A shame about the harsh lighting, but perhaps it is this which makes the image after all?

Some images just make you laugh, and I love the rather goofy feel of this photo which had me chuckling when I saw it. Close ups of horses with wide angle lenses tend to produce some comical results and it is the open mouth and exposed teeth of this animal that provides that element here. Technically it isn't perfect, but does it need to be? The air of comedy is the key ingredient here.

I am not generally a fan of side profiles, but this image works really well. The dark background not only compliments the darker areas of the owl's plumage, but also brings all the attention to the bird and its expression. Had the eye been open and the beak closed, this would be less successful, however, the pose captured here is full of character and life. The composition is good and the post processing is well considered, retaining good amounts of detail and generating just the right mood.

I enjoy coming across images that show me something a little different. There are many things that I like about this image, the most obvious being the relationship between the cat and the bird, those eyes of the cat trained on the bird with the unnerving intent of a seasoned predator. The fact that the bird is blissfully unaware adds another pleasing element. The angle of view is also very interesting, the uncomplicated sky the perfect background to balance the tangle of twigs and branches. I also like the bold composition with all the main parts of the image in the bottom third - this adds drama. The viewer is left wondering what happened - did the bird avoid being caught, or did the cat secure its prize? As a lover of wild birds, I hoping for the former.