New Joiners - Animals #679

This is a good example of a technically well executed image. The composition is strong with the lizard arching out of the top left corner of the frame and curving diagonally across the image. The macro lens has captured so much detail in the lizard's skin which is a real treat for the viewer. The focus is correctly on the animal's eye and the photographer has chosen an aperture and plane of view that keeps most of the animal in sharp focus. The background elements are a little distracting, but a really pleasing image nonetheless.

What struck me first about this image is the bold composition. The placement of the stag in the centre of the bottom third is a decision that works fantastically well, especially given the head-on view of the animal. What really makes it stand out for me is the symmetrical antlers and the position of the animal centrally in front of the autumn tree. The antlers seem to reach up and form part of the tree's supporting trunk and branch system, holding the gloriously warm tones of the autumn leaves aloft. The out of focus strip of grass at the bottom of the image helps to frame the scene.

I love images that push the boundaries of convention, and here the photographer has deliberately over-exposed the image significantly to create this high key feel. I really like the way that most of the detail is lost and blends seamlessly with the background. This leaves enough detail for the viewer to instantly recognise what they are looking at without showing them a great deal - that's very clever. All the concentration is on the eye, mouth and nostril. The concept is very strong and is the reason for the high placing, but the image does lack definition which I am guessing may be the result of a heavy crop.

There are a lot of technical qualities to admire in this photograph. The composition is nicely balanced with the wings of the bird stretching diagonally across the frame with enough space for the pelican to fly into remaining on the right side. The focus point is directly on the eye as it should be, the bill also nicely sharp with loads of detail for the viewer to enjoy. The shutter speed has been well chosen to avoid any motion blur, and the background is sufficiently out of focus so it is not distracting, but retains a sense of place for the viewer to complete the story of this bird and its environment. The lighting is a little flat, but this has allowed plenty of detail to be captured in the bird's plumage.

The detail in the skin of this lizard is one of the things that attracted me to this photograph. It is also a picture that most would have under-exposed owing to the bright light in the background. This would have muted all the detail this image displays. I also think the tight composition works well and is nicely balanced. The vegetation obscuring the nose and the lower part of the animal is a shame and is rather distracting, but a nice image nonetheless.

This is one of those photographs where the humour jumps out at you. It is all about that long curving tongue which seems to be stretching out of the screen making you back off to avoid its unwanted attention! The composition is nice considering this must have been a candid and unexpected moment. It makes me smile - photography is not only about technical proficiency, but evoking an emotional response too.

This is a classic image that has been shot countless times, but never fails to draw attention. I like the symmetry on display here, the head-on pose nicely central in the photo, the bill bisecting the frame with surgical precision. The eyes are placed on the upper third horizontal line and are staring right at the viewer, grabbing their attention. The even distribution of the sandeels either side of the bill is a nice bonus. The focal point is on the bridge of the bill, leaving the eyes quite soft, but I think this is the right choice in this case.

It doesn't matter how many pictures of Puffins I see, I still enjoy them. This image has a lot of qualities that I find appealing, the main one being the use of that warm burst of light through the break in the cloud the photographer describes. This light has transformed what would have been a dull scene into something that has beautiful warm tones and the depth to make the image come alive. The exposure is well balanced, quite difficult with black and white plumage in bright conditions. I really like the out of focus background and the use of foreground foliage to frame the bird and concentrate all the viewer's attention where it needs to go. The placement of the Puffin in the frame also has a nice balance to it. Good job.

For me, this image is all about the composition which is strong and tells a story. This can be very compelling, as is the case here. It is always tricky to create an image that works well when you choose not to include all of the animal, the balance of what to include and what to exclude can be a hard one to strike, but I think this photograph does it successfully. I really like the placement and crop of the head in the top left of the frame which highlights the shape of the side profile. The angle of the nose and the position of the eyes lead the viewer diagonally across the frame from top left to bottom right where the open hand is waiting for the viewer's questioning mind. The photo is a little noisy, but I think it adds to the atmosphere.

Symmetry can be very powerful in photography and this image is a great example of that. The photographer has taken a great deal of care to frame the portrait of this male lion to perfection. I really like the placement of all the features in the frame and the direct eye contact which makes this image so strong. I also like the black and white treatment which has added an extra dimension to the photo through a process of subtraction. For all these reasons, this was a clear winner for me. My only slight issue is the camera has focused on the nose of the lion and I would have liked this to be on the eyes instead which are a little soft.

I like the use of the black and white conversion here to highlight composition, textures, and tones. The diagonal patterns of the partially submerged rocks work well, the crocodile seeming to emulate their shape and texture. I'm not a fan of the space on the left of the frame and think a tighter, squarer crop would work better with a negative exposure adjustment to add more contrast and mood.

Fulmars are birds that spends most of their lives on the open ocean waves, and this image really gives the viewer a sense of where this animal lives. I like the muted tones of the sea which make it look cold and rough - an accurate picture of the environment these birds thrive in. The wing and leg positions are good and the little splashes of water behind the Fulmar add interest and dynamism. Note how the shutter speed wasn't quite sufficient to freeze the motion, and some blurring is present. A reduction in aperture would have allowed the photographer to balance the exposure with a faster shutter speed. I would also liked to have seen a little more space at the bottom of the frame, but these are minor points only. Overall, I really like the moody feel to this image as it reminds me of my own experiences with this species.