New Joiners - Animals #722

I like the idea behind this photograph. Using a strong directional light set at an acute angle against a contrasting background can create some really interesting and dramatic portraits, as we see here. The lighter tones of this cat are perfect for a dark background - this has ensured that all the viewer’s concentration is on the subject. I also like the pose of the cat and the action the image has captured, it’s paw swiping at mid air in that familiar way as it reaches for a dangling toy. The image is a bit soft in places, a result of motion blur - a faster shutter speed is advisable if natural light or a constant light source is used to light the subject.

The most important thing with images of wildlife is to focus on the eyes; frogs have especially prominent eyes and these usually form the centre of attention as we see here - the eyes are perfectly in focus. The lighting is a little harsh and contrasting, making the exposure tricky, but this has been well balanced in this case. I find dark area in the top left of the frame a little dominant and would have cropped in tighter to reduce its impact. Try a lower angle to create a more intimate feel.

I have seen quite a few of these jellyfish images, but can’t help but be continually drawn to them. I love the way the dark background isolates the animal and emphasises the interesting colours and shapes. There is an otherworldly feel about their phantom-like form - like finger prints, every image is unique. Judging the exposure correctly is the skill behind these images - under-exposing to create the dark backgrounds and to emphasise the colours is the key to success. The bottom of the frame cutting through the tentacles grates a little.

There are lots of things to enjoy about this image. I like the strong contrast between the bright plumage of this flamingo and the dark background. This makes the subject stand out and become the focal point of the image as the photographer intended. The pose of the bird as it doses with its head upturned on its back is rather gawky and intriguing. The focus point and overall exposure are well judged. I think the image would benefit from a tighter crop, as the bottom of the frame cutting across the back of the bird where it does rather leaves the photo with an unfinished feel.

What I find appealing about this image is that it places the subject firmly in its environment. To create an image that both achieves this aim and works compositionally is trickier than it seems. The key is to ensure that the majority of the viewer’s attention is on the subject, while the environment still plays a supporting and complimentary role. This photograph has achieved this through the contrast in tone from the warm tones of the foreground and the animal’s fur to the cooler tones of the background; the distance between subject and background also enables focal separation. Additionally, I really like the shape of the hills behind mimicking the shape of the animal.

I love incorporating backlighting into my own photography as it creates drama. This image demonstrates how photographing subjects into the light can elevate an image from the ordinary to something with more interest for the viewer. The pose of this coot has been well captured, I really like the position of the nearest foot as it is held against the bird’s body, the water splashes catching the light coming from behind. The outline of the bird is also so delicately rim lit helping to frame it against the simple background. The symmetry created with the reflection is also really pleasing. This is a beautiful image which demonstrates plenty of compositional and technical skill.

Portrait photography is all about creating character, and this image achieves that aim brilliantly. The lighting is simply exquisite and so well balanced, weighting it more heavily to the left of the frame has created depth, and a three dimensional quality that makes the cat reach out from the screen. I like the mood that this photograph delivers, the dark background giving the cat a air of gangster-like authority. This is clearly a pet not to be messed with! One of the best pet portraits I have seen in these contests.

One of the first things that struck me about this image is the light. This photograph must have been taken towards the end of the day as the sun’s strength weakens and the warmer tones start to appear. It is this softer, warmer light that makes this image pleasing on the eye. Technically this is an accomplished image; the action of the squabbling Zebra has been frozen perfectly with a fast shutter speed, the overall exposure is well balanced, and the composition pleasing; the elephants in the background in the perfect place to balance the frame and add extra interest for the viewer. I see a lot of images of African wildlife and it is nice to see a composition that offers something a little different.

I kept returning to this photograph as there is something rather intriguing about it. I like images that hint at a story behind a photo - a slightly wider view, as we see here, is often a good way to create more of a narrative. The dog has been well captured - the focus is in the right place, the composition strong, exposure correct, and the depth of field well judged. I particularly enjoy the pose of the dog as it stands on that prominent pile of rocks, this creates a separation between it and the rest of the frame which is sufficiently out of focus to keep all the attention on the dog, but retains enough detail to give the viewer information about the environment. I also love the complimentary tones of the dog’s fur and the background. This image leaves me wanting to know more about this dog and where it is.

This is a well accomplished image of a red squirrel in a classic pose as it nibbles on a nut. I rather like the soft dappled lighting - perfect for capturing the detail in the fur. The composition is well balanced, there being a little space left on the left hand side of the frame for the animal to look into. The focus is directly on the animal’s eye, and the depth of field sufficient to capture plenty of detail. The background is a little busy for me, but doesn’t take away from a very nice photograph.

Direct eye contact with your subject is a really effective way of creating an intimacy with the viewer and for them to become invested in an image. This Marsh Tit is staring right down the barrel of the lens and immediately grabs the viewer’s attention. The lighting is a little harsh, but this has been tempered by the angled direction which creates a three dimensional depth. The chosen perch is attractive and provides complimentary interest. A slight shame about the out of focus twig cutting across the background which rather draws my eye.

Photographing birds in flight is one of the more technically challenging aspects of wildlife photography. This photograph is well exposed, tack sharp and is nicely isolated against a perfect blue sky. I like the position of the bird as it fills the frame, it’s wings pleasingly angled across the frame, it’s head and bill the centre of attention. It’s good to see that the photographer has paid attention to the shutter speed, employing sufficient speed to ensure no motion blur has crept in. The wing tips are touching the edges of the frame - giving the subject a bit more room can avoid these issues.

I selected this image for the narrative- I rather enjoy the juxtaposition of the bison as an animal of the wide open plains, and the man-made wind turbines that now dominate so many of our wide open vistas. I also like the warm lighting that has highlighted the complimentary tones of the bison’s fur and the grassland environment. Lifting the shadow areas to reveal more detail in the animal would have been my choice, but this is an effective image.

Creating a narrative through photography is a real skill. Not only does this images tell the viewer an interesting story, but highlights the rather mischievous personality of this young cat. I love the decision to under-expose the frame and allow the light falling on the cat’s face to dominate and hold the viewer’s attention. The rest of the frame acts as a supporting role which builds the story as the viewer’s eyes explore the subjects surroundings. The traffic cone on the right of the frame is a little dominant for my taste.

One of the things that can be challenging when photographing subjects with dark colouration in the snow is balancing the exposure correctly. Very often, the camera will want to under-expose the image and create a rather dull and flat photograph. Here, the photographer has made the correct compensation to expose the image correctly and that has enabled so much detail to be captured in the animal's fur, the snow and ice rendered pleasingly crisp and white. You can simply feel the cold from this image. The overall composition is solid, the focus in the correct area, and the black and white conversion adds a simplicity that elevates the photograph. A deserving winner from this selection.