New Joiners - Animals #678

Getting this type of action captured and frozen is a very difficult thing to do. The shutter speed that's used worked perfectly and the wing position is pleasing. I also like how the bird is carrying a piece of grass in its bill, which helps tell the overall story of the image.

When coming across strong light it is important to choose the right animal such as a Giraffe for a proper silhouette image. When looking at this image it's quite clear what's in the frame. The circular windows and bars that surround the animal also add a sense of place and story.

This is an amazing behavioral image and I don't see many images of a moment as interesting as this. The perspective makes this image as you're looking down at the cicada rather than looking up which is the typical vantage point. Images like this provide an educational component to a viewer and that's always a good thing.

I really like how the adult horse and its youngster are placed in front of the setting sun. The positioning is perfect as the viewer gets a sense of scale between young and old for this species. It must be an amazing sight to see these animals and realize what an amazing and historical backstory they have.

At first glance this anole image has an abstract or almost painterly quality about it. Instead of the portrait quality, the colors and shapes really stand out to make the composition strong. Orange and blue along with green and yellow are incredible color combinations. Lastly, the curved line from the tail to the lizard's head separates the shot nicely.

This monkey image is an amazing portrait. The shallow depth of field brings focus onto the subject's face and expression, while allowing for some pleasing bokeh in the background that also adds a nice touch of color. The incoming backlight behind the monkey also includes a pleasing rim light around the edges.

Now this is an interesting lineup and a varied cast of characters. I like the differing expressions that you notice on each of the cows as well as the open pasture in the background that gives a sense of place. Upon close study you can find two individuals gazing at the camera behind the first row.

The light is off the charts in this image and beautifully illuminates the field and the horse. The light goes through the tail and makes it a centerpiece of the composition. There is a strong diagonal line that splits the frame nicely to separate light and dark. This is a scene you want to walk into.

Cassowaries are very large and strong birds that can be intimidating for some people. Part of what makes this bird a force to be reckoned with is its talons, which you can see here in vivid detail. Choosing to convert the image to black and white was the right choice as it simplifies and removes distractions with a focus on texture.

I love the colors in this butterfly image as well as the wing spread and positioning. The surrounding lantana flowers in the shot make for a great perch and add brightness to contrast the dark butterfly. Focus is tack sharp on the subject and background is slightly out of focus in a pleasing way.

This incredible Ibis image is all about timing and the final result works so well. The composition is strong as the birds are spaced out in a line just over the water, which allows for slight reflections further below. This can easily make for a great print on the wall. Fantastic work!

The incoming side light on this Toucan portrait is very powerful and hits just right. The bird's eye and bill are illuminated with shape and contrast and the cage netting incredibly acts as a pleasing supporting element. The overall low key look also adds a sense of mood to the image.

Normally an angle like this is used for silhouettes to emphasize shape, but the front lighting here works just the same, The Lemur is lit nicely to include great eye color and a mischievous expression, yet shape is also a major factor in the composition. The surrounding vignette brings attention to where it needs to be.

Minimalism is a strong tool that can be used in animal photography as it can introduce an artistic effect, which works well here. The monochrome feel is appropriate and the silhouette needs no introduction as everyone knows exactly what the subject is. The high key or bright background brings the fly to life for the viewer.

This snake image is really unique as you have two Green Mambas stretching through the frame. I like the positioning of both snakes as they overlap each other and form a nice diagonal that cuts into the image. The camera flash adds pleasing contrast and shows off the green, rich color.