New Joiners - Animals #688

Swans are perhaps the most photographed of all birds as they are common, confiding and aesthetically pleasing. They are also great subjects to work with in high contrast situations such as this. Their bright white plumage allows some much variation in exposure techniques and I like the deliberate under exposure here to darken the background and create a dramatic, rather than literal portrait. The nasal bulge gets a bit lost, but it's really nice to see this bold approach to a common subject.

I really enjoy the mood of this image which is created by the dramatic back lighting, highlighting the shapes and forms of the moorland created by the contrast in light and shadow. The image almost has a sepia tone to it which I find very pleasing. The sheep are nicely spaced making the overall composition work well. The bright patch of ground between the group is a bit distracting and could be toned down a little in post production, but a very pleasing image that tells a nice story.

There are lots of images of pet cats in these contests, most of which are simple snapshots with not much thought behind them. I like this shot as it is different and makes me smile. Technically it is well done, there is enough shutter speed to freeze the motion of the water dripping from the tap and the flicking tongue of the cat. The position of the tap in the frame gives it a nice balance and the lighting perfect for the tones in the cat's fur and the kitchen splash back. A shame the cat's ear is just clipping the left edge of the frame, but a minor issue only.

There are lots of things to admire in this image. The perspective from below is well executed, the position of the spread wings and tail pleasingly symmetrical, the exposure and focus are spot on, and I really enjoy the crop and the negative space at the top of the photograph. A little more shutter speed was needed to ensure that both wings remained sharp - at least 1/2,500 second which could easily have been achieved by increasing the ISO.

I really like the flow of this photograph - the way the animal's body curves over the log and flows into the head and open mouth is really appealing. I also find the brightly coloured gape contrasts really nicely with the more muted tones of the skin and overall scene - it focuses attention right where the photographer intended. The focus point is spot on and the depth of field sufficient to retain detail in the animal. The background is a little busy, but a nicely constructed image nonetheless.

There is always a temptation when photographing large animals to fill the frame. But I rather like images that give the viewer a bit more and place the subjects in the context of their environment. This image achieves this really well. The composition, while not necessarily following conventional rules, works really well placing the moose centrally in the lower third. This leaves plenty of space for the layers of the landscape to flow pleasingly. The depth of field allows all the frame to retain sharpness and detail for the viewer to enjoy.

I like the use of high key when it comes to portraits - it is a useful method to focus all the viewer's attention on the subject. It often also results in so much more detail being revealed in a subject which might otherwise be a little under exposed. I think the balance of exposure in the image is spot on. The kite is also displaying a nice pose, that look back over its shoulder provides balance and interest to enjoy. I would have removed the branch creeping into the bottom left of the frame.

This photograph is really well thought out. I love the use of the window through the trees which has been used to frame the shot and draw attention to the layered mountain range beyond and the lovely tones in the sky. Detail has been retained throughout the scene, the exposure of which is well balanced. The icing on the cake is the silhouette of the bird, placed centrally in the scene. I even like the blur in the wings which adds a sense of movement to an otherwise tranquil scene.

There is a really nice balance to this image with the two animals in opposing corners of the frame, both forming a pleasing diagonal across the image in compliment to each other. The technical aspects are solid - enough shutter speed to capture the motion with the correct exposure in difficult conditions. I would have liked a little more space on the right of the frame as I feel this is a little cramped, but otherwise a really pleasing image.

The first thing that strikes me when I look at this photograph is the direct eye contact - this immediately engages the viewer and holds their attention. I also really like the overall image composition, the position of the leopard in the frame is just right; the tree trunk on the left anchors the frame, and the branch curving across the frame adds nice balance. The exposure is well judged - many would have under exposed this shot as the camera would most likely have metered this on the dark side. It's a shame about the twigs coming in from the left of the frame, and I would have cropped a bit looser to include more space at the bottom for the tail and let the branch connect with the trunk of the tree.

There is lots to admire in this photograph, the overall composition of which is really pleasing. I particularly like the way the red campion creates a frame around the fox. The focus is critically in the right place and that has provided lots of detail in the eyes, face and fur for the viewer to enjoy. The depth of field is also well judged, the frame falling away softly around the central features. However, be careful when applying saturation to images. My guess is that this has been done globally and is a tad heavy-handed. The nose and eyes are displaying a blue cast and the animal's fur has a purple tinge. The colour in the flowers is also too intense. Personally, I would have cloned out the blades of grass across the animal's face too. These are both things that are easily rectified in post production. This is a lovely image that the photographer should feel rightly proud of.

There are some really well executed elements to this image. I particularly like the out of focus background which has some nice texture and colour tones to bring all the attention to the subject. The focal point seems to have locked onto the bird's breast leaving the eye a little soft, and it's a shame about the twig behind the bird which I find a little distracting, but a really good image that with a couple of tweaks could be exceptional.

This is a very well executed image. The low angle and head on view create a really close connection with the viewer, and you simply can't ignore the grasshopper who isn't having a good day! I like the dark background which isolates the subject and focuses all the attention on the lizard and its prey. A shame the tail is cropped out of the frame and I would have liked a bit more depth of field to provide more sharp detail around the mouth.