New Joiners - Animals #687

I've yet to come across a Water Vole and I'm now regretful it hasn't happened after seeing this image. This tiny little rodent is quite cute as captured here in a perched and ragged pose. The hand gesture supports the eyes and offers an expressive look that. Perhaps today is a bad hair day?

Mating activities and courtship rituals between raptors are very intriguing and always worth a capture when they happen. The focus is spot on as both of the Red Shouldered Hawks are tack sharp. There's a slight softness in the male's outstretched wings denoting a sense of motion, which works well.

While the light is rather strong in this image, the lineup of the rhinos is quite exceptional. I love the diagonal line that's formed with their eyes and horns as they drink from a watering hole. The depth of field is wide enough to render all of them sharp or mostly sharp.

Being able to capture an adorable portrait of a Praying Mantis might be difficult, but it's done well here. The mantis is placed perfectly in the frame as it's surrounded nicely by honeysuckle, which also adds some color to support an otherwise dull subject. The vertical composition is also the right call as it compliments the tall, flowering vine.

Otters are so special and getting even a glimpse of them in the wild can be a treat. I love the affection being shown between these two here and appreciate the photographer was patient to wait for the right moment. Also important is the intimate perspective that's gained from getting down low to eye level.

I've seen plenty of fox images and it's hard to make one stand out, but this shot does stand out on its own. This is mainly due to the LED lamp used that creates a mood and emphasizes the fox's stare. The overall dark and red tones provide a sense of power to the animal.

When it comes to animals in their environment, this image is a classic example of how that concept should be executed. The centering of the Kia works as its flanked by a stunning background of high peaks that could double for a stage set in Hollywood. The depth of field is just right as the subject is sharp and the surroundings are soft and without distraction.

You don't see many snail images and I have to say that I really enjoy the perspective offered in this image. Looking down from a tall vantage point at an animal normally seen on the ground is quite interesting and shows a different viewpoint. The vertical crop and angle are also key factors to making this shot strong.

It can difficult to see Leopards on the ground if they are not in an active hunt. Most of the time they are sleeping in trees. I like the soft colors in this portrait as well as the in focus and out of focus grasses, which add intimacy and frame the subject.

This is such a regal portrait of a cat. The depth of field is spot on, the colors are saturated in a pleasing manner, and the shaggy mane adds a lot of character. The side light hits the cat's expression nicely and creates a more serious tone. This one belongs in a frame on the mantle.

This is such a special image. I absolutely love the perspective that's offered to the viewer here. You can almost feel the dogs' breath as you look into the intensity of their expressions. As you gaze deeper in into the frame, you can see more of the story to include additional dogs and the sled. I rather like the black and white conversion as well. Great work!

Mockingbirds are tough mimics and they won't hesitate to attack a raptor if it comes near its territory. The freeze of action here highlights the intensity of the Mockingbird and the indifference of the Red Shouldered Hawk. The contrast in expression does ultimately show who's boss in this particular situation.

Both light and shadow come together to make this image a very powerful one. The textures throughout the composition along with all of the birds and activity make it something that requires study and a deeper interest into the story. The stork's outstretched wings provide an anchor to all of the chaos.

Getting an aerial perspective of animals can be refreshing as most photography is taken at or near eye level. A downward looking view of crocodiles works well due to their conspicuous shape and textures on their backs. It is also safe to say you don't want to be too close.

White Rhinos are amazing animals and it's getting harder to seem them in the wild due to human pressures unfortunately. The eye placement in the middle is surprising, but it still works. I rather like how the Rhino constitutes the entire frame and how the horn leaves the composition in the upper right corner.