New Joiners - Animals #682

For me, this image is all about the colour and the detail of the lizard, both elements that are captured well here - the dark background helps to highlight both of these qualities. The tongue adds an extra bit of interest to the image. The point of focus isn't quite on the eye, which is a shame.

For me, this photograph is all about the background and the beautiful light which is falling on it. That dawn light has produced such wonderfully warm tones, and I really like the soft, out of focus feel which has retained enough detail to tell a story, but not distract from the Guinea Fowl. The placement of the bird in the frame is bold, but works well and I like the fact it is facing into the space in the frame. The caging it is stood on is a bit distracting, but overall a pleasing image.

This is one of those images that grows over time. What I rather like about it is the strong framing of the bird and the way the lighting puts it in a natural spotlight. I also really like all the detail that is on show here - just look at the feather patterns and the features in the face and foot. I also like the textures of the rocks and the shadows that form the perfect background. The post processing is also shows a skilled touch.

The thing that strikes you about this image is the direct eye contact which immediately connects the viewer and catches their attention. The composition is strong - that tight crop works really well and the balance of the head placement and the position of the paw is well judged. The light is warm and soft and has allowed plenty of detail to be captured. The dripping water just adds that extra element to elevate the image. A well deserved winner.

The soft lighting, pose of the bird, post processing, and beautifully textured background are all elements I really like about this photograph. The execution is also skilled, with all the features of the bird nicely in focus. The exposure is also well thought out - all too easy to let the camera under expose in this type of lighting situation. The leaf-covered twig coming in from the left is a bit of a shame, but not much the photographer could do about that. The border is unnecessary as it makes the image smaller on the screen when viewing and judging.

Eyes can be such an important element in a successful image. Direct eye contact with the viewer can be extremely powerful but, in this case, the monkey is looking away from the lens which gives the image a rather wistful feeling of contemplation. The lighting is soft which allows plenty of detail to come across and I like the simple background with its complimentary tones.

I really like the use of the complimentary tones of this photograph. I also rather like the shallow depth of field which centres on the eye of the toad and melts away rendering the background nicely out of focus, removing any distracting elements. The lighting is subtle and effective, and the post processing skilled. I find the rock coming into the frame at the centre of the left edge a little distracting - a closer crop would work better as a result in my view.

If you are a bird photographer, the photo of a Puffin with sandeels in its bill will be on your wish list to capture. I like the framing here with the tight crop concentrating on the features of the face and the sandeels in the bill. There is so much detail on display for the viewer to enjoy. Everything that should be in focus is tack sharp, the background is clean and the post processing skillful. A great example of a classic shot.

I see a lot of pet portraits in these contests, but this is a rather exceptional example. There are many elements that have been thought through here; the pose of the dog, the complementary tones of the wooden platform, the out of focus background, and the subtle post processing. All these elements have come together well in this image, but it is the strong composition that completes it. The positioning of the dog could not have been better - the rather wistful look into the space beyond the frame and the viewer is the icing on the cake.

Puffins are perhaps the most photographed bird in the Northern Hemisphere, probably because they are so confiding in the summer months and have such endearing features. What I like about this image is the way the out of focus bird in the background compliments the main subject and helps to balance the frame. The placement of the birds within the frame is also good. Plenty of detail has been retained in all areas of the photo from the sky to the foreground grass. I would have brightened the main subject bid in post production to bring a little more emphasis to it, but an interesting take on a much-photographed subject.

The overall balance of the composition is strong in this image. I really like the way the Cheetah's body is curving out of the top right of the frame and is balanced by the pool of water to the bottom left. The backwards glance and the protruding tongue give the animal character. The lighting is warm and complimentary, but I would tone some of the brighter areas down a little in post, such as the bridge of the animals nose.

There is a lot to admire in this image, but it is the composition that really makes it. The placement of the bird in the frame is spot on, being on the classic intersection of the thirds. I really like the contrast of the branches and foliage and the way the branches are spreading out from the right hand side of the frame like a hand holding the bird aloft. The background is sufficiently out of focus not to be distracting, while still retaining texture and detail to place the subject in its environment. The striking bright colours of the kingfisher contrast nicely with the rest of the frame and draw the eye directly to it. The photographer has ensured that the bird is looking into the negative space on the left which completes the composition. Beautiful frame.

Tight framing of a subject can produce very compelling and powerful images as is the case here. I really like the tight crop in on the Orangutan's facial features and I think the overall framing is strong, although I would straighten it up a little to perfect the symmetry. The contrast in tones between the skin and fur work well, and the gaze away from the camera gives the image a melancholic feel. The point of focus appears to be on the mouth and I would have focused on the eyes. I also would do a little more adjustment to levels and curves in post to bring out a little more detail.