New Joiners - Animals #672

Some images shine due to a cuteness factor and this is one definitely fits that mold. The backlight offers a dream like effect to the forest scene and makes you fall in love with this new born even more. The centering in the frame works fine and the depth of field keeps focus on what's important.

I've never come across this butterfly in the wild and really hope I do someday. The transparency in the wings is absolutely amazing and works so well with the surrounding green background. I appreciate how this composition re-enforces the Greta Oto's characteristics in a visual manner. This is a picture that speaks volumes.

The yellow mask and eyes on this Lapwing really make an impact at first glance. The stare is rather intense and captivating at the same time. I like how the the yellow tones are the brightest with the rest of the frame rendered dark to ensure there is no distraction from the subject.

The composition and use of negative space really makes this spider image stand out from the rest of the pack. The curved line cuts through the frame nicely and envelopes the subject in a pleasing way. The surrounding green tones add some color to compensate for the spider, which is rather bland.

This pigeon shot has some interesting behavior and something you need to study for a second or two in order to figure out what is actually going on. The position of the bird is unique and the closed eye is not distracting from my perspective. These berries appear to be good eating.

The even and subtle tones between the resting monkey and the wooden logs with metal really come together nicely in this portrait. The branches entering the frame on the right side seem to double as a hand reaching out toward the subject. Perhaps a pet or an encouragement to continue resting?

Frogs make for captivating subjects and I always enjoy seeing shots of these amphibians. I appreciate the use of a vertical composition here, which accommodates the perch and positioning of the frog higher in the frame. The brightness of the frog helps the subject stand out from the darker surroundings as well.

Normally vignettes are darkened with the intention to draw the eye into the frame and away from the edges, but this image takes a different approach and it is refreshing. I like the brighter vignette here and supplements the overall soft tones of the shot nicely. The natural framing is also a great touch.

I love the black and white presentation of this Elephant family. The light and textures separate the Elephants from the rest of the frame and the depth of field is perfect as all of them are rendered in focus. The variety of postures and expressions keep the eye moving through the frame and invite further study.

Animal portraits with the inclusion of human made objects can be interesting like this shot, which demonstrate how our worlds collide on a daily basis. There is also a nice nugget if you look closely, which is a Gull in the distance that lines up with the direction of the seal's gaze. .

A tall crop is made useful here as it supplements the enormous set of antlers on this Fallow Buck. The surrounding green foliage support the frame, although I would suggest centering the subject might even make this more powerful. The light quality is strong here due to the rim light.

Getting predator and prey behavior shots are very tough to come by and what an experience this must have been for the photographer. The actual moment and the oncoming approach of the Lion and Gazelle must have been amazing to see in person. The contrasting expressions between both animals speak volumes.

I absolutely love this Mute Swan image! The wide angle perspective exaggerates the bird's proportions in just the right way. The vegetation coming into the frame adds a sense of environmental context as well as the lake and tree line in the distance. It's also great to have some behavior captured as well to include an outstanding sense of engagement. Well done!

This Wild Goat image really lets the surrounding space and textures shine in the frame. The diagonal line formed by the subjects separates the foreground and background in a pleasing manner. Further, the angled light adds a nice touch of contrast and depth, which prevents a flat feeling in the overall composition.

I've never come across a shot of a snake moving on top of a turtle before so this is a first, and in a good way. It would appear these two are indifferent to each other and it makes the feel of the image appear light hearted. The difference in both of the eyes stands out the most.