New Joiners - Animals #690

This is an artistic image that begs further study from the viewer. The cows appear to be touching in a moment of connection that's framed by the resting hands of the individual to the left. The black and white conversion makes the image more powerful and brings attention to the center of the frame without distraction.

The perch in this Bald Eagle image is very cool and worth including in its entirety due to the interest. The eagle's position in front of the clouds and above horizon works well. The background is soft but still in focus to provide a sense of atmosphere and depth to the scene.

I love the high key approach used in this composition, which is less literal and emphasizes shape with a minimalistic feel. The shadows of the gulls add interest as well as the lone individual facing the opposite direction. There is also a diagonal line formed by the birds that connects one end of the frame to another.

The outstretched wings of the incoming White Tailed Eagle are in a perfect position where you can see all of their gorgeous details. The food delivery to its young tells a story and gives the viewer a glimpse into their nesting behavior. Also, the crop is wide enough to allow room on both sides of the wings without scene feeling cramped.

This Harbor Seal image has so much going for it. The soft light, pastel colors, and loose composition are all strong positives. The moon in the upper left portion of the frame perfectly balances the subject down in the opposite corner. The seal's expression is priceless and after a closer look, the out of focus street lamps come to life in the background. Great work!

Winston and Murphy are adorable dogs and make for great photography subjects. The viewer connection is strong with the dog on the right looking head on, while the other adds balance. The surroundings are gorgeous and the light has a slight golden touch to it. I'm ready to play fetch.

This cow image has an incredible sense of space and depth in it. The zig zag line that starts with the subject and moves through the hedgerows brings you right through the entire frame in a pleasing manner. The exposure and processing make the best of a strong mid-day light.

I couldn't think of a better out of focus background color for a Kingfisher image. The blue tones nicely compliment all of the bird's colors. Getting a dorsal view of mid-flight is fairly unique and more interesting than the reverse side in my opinion. The bird's position in the frame breaks the rules, but not in a bad way.

The moment of intimacy that's captured here between these Lions is second to none. The touch between the cub and mother is very heartwarming. I rather like how the cub's eye is open as opposed to the mom. The difference in size between their paws is noticeable and a vision of what may come if the young one makes it to adulthood.

I get the sense this monkey has had quite a long day and is ready for a rest! To be more serious, the couch and pillows add a nice pop of color to an otherwise drab subject. Further, the monkey's expression and lazy attitude add a comedic touch and the light falls right where it needs to be.

I'm smiling as look at this image since I just had a few hundred kinglets drop in my yard during their southward migration. The colors are great as well as the perspective. It's difficult to get close to these birds and seeing one large in the frame is not typical.

I really enjoy the deep blues and cool tones that dominate this jellyfish image. The contrast in direction with one moving up while the other enters the frame coming down is a nice touch. The tentacles from an out of frame jellyfish coming up from the lower right side also add interest and balance.

Shooting down on Mute Swans can sometimes have its advantages as you see in this shot. The patterns in their water contrails have great texture and provide a sense of movement and energy. They also make an open space in the frame interesting as opposed to being plain and dead space.

The color harmony really stands out in this dog image. The brown and tan tones in the wood match the subject almost perfectly. The tongue and toy both add a nice pop of color and bring attention to the center of the frame. The depth of field is shallow and focus is where it needs to be.

Choosing a point of focus when you are close to your subject is a big decision. The photographer chose the nose on this Klipspringer and I think it works well as there's emphasis on its texture and moisture. The slightly blurred tongue gives a sense of motion and doesn't detract in any way.