New Joiners - Animals #715
Caron Steele

New Joiners - Animals #715

February 2024

Entry 19467213
6th
12

The textures of the crocodile stand out in this image as result of the angle light entering the frame. The complimentary green tones throughout the scene are very pleasing as are the shadows which add depth to the background. If possible, a wider view or smaller crop to incorporate the entire tail could add even more to this great shot.

Expert
winner

I loved this image the moment I came across it. The lines frame the silhouette of the gull nicely and I appreciate the vertical composition, which adds interest. Further, the contrast between the details of the feet and the rest of the bird's body in shadow is a nice touch. Great work!

Entry 19518906
10th
15

100 Images entered

Crowd
winner

I see a lot of Kingfisher images, but this one has a unique element in that it includes two subjects, the bird and a fish. While I'm drawn to the Kingfisher, my attention is also with its catch since both eyes fall on the focus plane. A great display of relationship between predator and prey.

Brief

See more contest details

Welcome to Photocrowd’s ‘Animals’ contest for New Joiners! These contests are a chance for new members to introduce their photography to the community, and get a taste of how Photocrowd contests work. They can be entered by anyone within their first 28 days of joining Photocrowd. After 100 images have been submitted the contest closes and the Crowd will start rating the images. The Expert Judge will also be judging the images and writing reviews at the same time. All the winners, both Crowd and Expert, will be announced after 3 days of judging. Make sure you also check out our two other New Joiners contests - ‘People’ and ‘Landscapes’.

Entry 19464992
45th
7

This is a standout macro shot of the competition. The beetle and flower are tack sharp revealing lots of detail for the viewer to pour over. Green and red are complimentary colors so the incorporation of the foliage in the background makes the shot aesthetically pleasing. This image proves you don't need a long telephoto lens.

Entry 19471942
7th
9

Talk about capturing a perfect moment during an action sequence. This particular frame shows the water shake off in a neat, circular motion. You almost get a feeling of being wet when looking at the shot. A fast shutter speed was the right choice here to freeze the water and the polar bear's face.

93 Photographers

8,669 Ratings

Entry 19471315
81st
5

The white vignette and grain in this image peaks my interest as it has a vintage like feel. The surrounding urban scene and railing tells a story by giving the viewer a sense of the Gull's preferred surroundings and habitat. Placing the bird outside of the frame's center may have increased the overall impact.

Entry 19474953
21st
11

This Frisian Horse is a beautiful animal and really something to marvel at. Its muscular body is evident almost to a point of intimidation. The soft and diffused light works well in the scene and helps even out the exposure with the subject being so dark. The braids are unique and do not go unnoticed.

This shot brings a smile to your face as it shows an intimate moment between two rock doves or pigeons. Placing the pigeons in the middle of the frame works well as they break up the three distinct patterns the background. The supporting rocks also double as a leading line..

Entry 19491078
17th
9
Entry 19493166
16th
16

I love the engagement factor that comes with this baby Kangaroo shot. The head on stare and expression captures your attention instantly. A vertical composition is the right choice as it compliments the height and posture of the animal. Upon further examination, the shifted ear is a nice touch and adds to the overall cuteness factor.

Entry 19495713
49th
36
Entry 19495716
48th
14
Entry 19499983
28th
9
Entry 19504437
3rd
19
Entry 19508130
24th
10
Entry 19517410
86th
6

Perhaps not the best angle for the dog, but it still works in the overall scene. There's a story in this shot, but what really stands out is the color provided by the old VW bus. You can't help but wonder what the dog is investigating here. Another shot the would look cool as a print.

The pano crop in this pigeon image plays to the strength of the composition which emphasizes the leading line of the wooden rail. The overall dynamic range of the scene is great as the sky is properly exposed revealing a cool cloud pattern. Lastly, the takeoff pose is perfect with the upright wing position.

This is a very cute puppy photo. The dog is placed in the left of the frame, which adds balance. There are a. few interesting details if you look closely such as the sand on its nose as well as the claw marks in the beach. This little one is camera ready.

The silhouettes are the main focus point here, but the shadowy window like frame steals the show. Both pigeons and the distant building are squeezed in a picture frame setting. The black and white conversion works well as it emphasizes the shadows and creates some mood. I can see this shot as a print.

Meet the expert judge

Repeating patterns is a strong compositional element in photography and what better subject than zebra to demonstrate this. The longer I look, the more I get lost in the patterns and hundreds of zebra all around. It's mesmerizing in a pleasing way and definitely the main strength of the photo.