New Joiners - Animals #675

This bird in flight image is very dramatic and I'm never tired of seeing Barn Owl images as they are beautiful raptors. The shutter speed used by the photographer is just right as it freezes the action and still leaves a bit of blur in the wings to denote motion.

This peekaboo image caught my attention as soon as I came across it. The tall ferns which hide most of the bodies make the image as you only see the faces and intense stares as a result. You certainly can understand through this image, how these animals can disappear quickly considering their size and bed down out of view.

Invertebrates don't always get their due when it comes to wildlife photography, which makes me happy to see images such as this one. The close up details are fantastic and the incorporation of the bee's reflection helps to emphasize the feeding behavior. The surrounding low key look also removes any distractions.

It's refreshing to see a topside image of a Dolphin that is aesthetically pleasing such as this one. Getting the timing right and anticipating the jump had to be a difficult task. I like the deep blue tones along with the surrounding textures within the water to include the contrail.

I really enjoy the distorted view you can achieve by using a wide angle lens up close with an animal. The cow's nose and face take center stage in this image, but the grass and sky act as a good supporting cast. You almost want to back up upon first glance.

I've never come across a shot before with this may Alligators packed into one frame. It begs for detailed study as you try to figure out just how many there are in the melee. The image can take on abstract effect. I'll take a pass at going for a swim here.

Bald Eagles are amazing birds and their stare can be downright intimidating as you see here. I like how the bird is positioned in the frame in accordance with the rule of thirds. The blue sky is a nice compliment to the eagle's yellow bill. I would not want to be a fish swimming below this perch.

Grey Seals are curious animals and it's always amazing to see them pop up near the boat when you're out on the water. The golden sidelight adds a bit of color in a pleasing way and is optimal for this portrait. The jagged reflection in the water acts perfectly as a leading line.

I love to see shots that incorporate more than one subject and have a sense of interaction as you see here. The coloring of these Kingfishers is gorgeous and the surrounding green tones act as a nice compliment. The center weighting of the composition is just right as both birds are perched in lowest dip of the horizontal branch.

Usually an animal stands out from the rest of the frame, but sometimes they blend in and that can add interest to an image as you can see here. The Fur Seal blends in great with the surrounding environment and perhaps intentionally so through evolution. You also have a sense of feeling for the rocky beach.

There's a strong story behind this Sloth image and it may be one of conservation or perhaps rehabilitation. The animal seems rested and at peace while behind the cage. My eye immediately goes to the hand grabbing the metal bar. The tones are colorful and the vertical composition works well.

With certain animal images, content can trump photo quality and that's certainly the case here. This is such a dynamic moment of contact between a Bald Eagle and Osprey. These rivals are typically seen sparring with each other, but this shot lets you see who has the advantage in terms of size and talons.

A powerful tool to increasing interest in a wildlife image is incorporating a sense of place and that's done very well here. in this image I like the rim light on the monkeys from the backlit sun in the distance. Also, the surrounding trees also allow for some natural framing.

Catching a moment of action like this requires some fast reflexes and optimal camera settings. Kudos to the photographer for getting the right shot at the right time. The textures in the water stand out as does the reflection in the lower portion of the frame. Dinner has been served.