New Joiners - Animals #734

This image is all about the expression on this youngster's face. What is it thinking? I also like the connection that is created by its arm clinging to its parent as if clinging to life itself. The exposure is well judged and the composition pleasing, but the focus seems to have locked onto the parent's arm and not the eyes of the infant..

The danger when taking images like this is under-exposing the animal as the camera will be taking into account all the bright sky behind when metering the shot in most cases (depending on the metering mode employed). Here the photographer has done a great job in exposing the image correctly and framing the head of this lioness so beautifully with the surrounding foliage. The focus point and the depth of field are both bang on. I really enjoy that rather wistful stare into space - what is she looking at? I would be tempted to crop a sliver off the top of the image.

There are many technical aspects to admire in this photograph, but what strikes me most is the complimentary tones of the foreground and background to those of the subject bee. These areas of the frame are beautifully out of focus ensuring that all the attention is on the bee. I also enjoy the background shapes that have formed some rather pleasing bokeh patterns to decorate the frame. The placement of the bee in the brighter portion of the frame is a good choice. The point of focus is spot on, and the depth of field just right. The exposure is also well judged, and the post production skilled. These factors combined make this a deserving winner.

We see many pet portraits in these contests, but it is those that convey a pet's character that are the most successful. Communicating personality to a viewer is so important, and this is what we see here. I like the intimate low point of view and the close position of the camera to the subject - the wide angle giving this spaniel an out of proportion, slightly gawky look. It is the tongue that nails the shot for me, adding another layer of humour and personality, and that direct eye contact is another vital element. I would crop a little off the left and bottom of the frame to balance things up better, but a simple adjustment to make.

This image demonstrates that phones are capable of creating some interesting and successful shots. Although it may lack the quality of more expensive kit, there are so many qualities to enjoy in this photograph. The composition is very pleasing - the position of the snail across the frame works so well, the extended antennae filling the top left portion, balancing the shell in the bottom right; the two elements connected by the body of the animal that forms a nice diagonal between the two. The lighting is interesting - coming from behind it has given depth and brought out some lovely detail in the body textures. I also really like the bokeh balls that decorate the background.

For me, this image is all about that gorgeous meadow background. The long lens and aperture choice has rendered it beautifully out of focus, but with enough detail for the viewer to know that this is a lush summer meadow full of bright yellow buttercups - flowers that decorating the frame. The attention of the viewer is immediately drawn to the goat, that buttercup hanging out of the side of its mouth is the icing on the cake, adding humour and character. I would have opted for a little more space at the bottom of the frame, but a minor issue.

Despite the harsh light, the photographer has done well here to create an accomplished image. Achieving a pleasing depth of field can be tricky with macro photography, but here the photographer has balanced this well, choosing the correct angle to the dragonfly to ensure sharp detail for the entire insect. The background is also nicely out of focus and avoids any distraction. The rope the dragonfly is perched on is rather stark and unsightly, but the diagonal line it forms from bottom right to top left is the correct choice. A shame the tip of the upper-left wing is clipping the left edge of the frame.

This is all about the low angle and shallow depth of field. These two elements have combined to ensure that all the attention is on the sheep, but sufficient detail in the foreground and background remains for the viewer's subconscious to register the expanse of bluebells. The composition and position of the animal in the frame is solid and the overall exposure well judged. The direct eye contact creates a connection with the viewer that makes the image work well. I think more could be brought out of this image in post production to give it a bit more punch - but all the essential elements are there.

This is one of those classic images that will be on most photographer's lists when they visit Amboseli. It's a shot that I have seen taken many times, but there is an important element that determines whether or not it is truly successful. This is all about choosing the correct shutter speed - enough to freeze the motion of the elephant and the trunk, but slow enough to add some motion blur to the dust and energise the shot. The photographer has balanced the elements well here to achieve exactly the right feel. I also like the black and white conversion - always a good choice in flat light - but I would have liked a little more contrast and punch in the editing. Also, the framing leaves the feet uncomfortably close to the bottom edge of the frame, plus I would have positioned the elephant off-centre and slightly to the right of the image by cropping in a little tighter. A great image that could be made even better by revisiting the edit.

This photograph is all about those eyes and it is essential that they are in sharp focus - the image would not work otherwise. I like the way the shallow depth of field and the low angle of view have concentrated all the viewer's attention on the eyes of this cat, those blades of grass cutting across the face adding to the sense of playfulness and giving the pet character. I would be tempted to crop in a lot tighter and exclude the darker background strip where the grass ends. This would also remove the distracting slanting line dividing the two elements. A lovely moment well captured.

This is all about the opposing directions of these two Zebra and the obvious parental connection. The position of the youngster against the adult is so nicely balanced, creating a pleasing symmetry that is the anchor of the shot. The overall exposure is well judged, and I like the warm background tones of the grass and the cool strip of the hills above. The tails of both animals have some motion blur - an increase in shutter speed would sharpen these details up if blur was not the intention here.

It's always a bold move to choose not to include all the animals when composing a shot. This image isn't perfect in its composition, but I think the photographer has balanced it skillfully enough to make it work. The key to it is the central character with its direct stare at the viewer - this acts as the perfect anchor point for the photograph, without it, it would not work as pleasingly. The waterbuck on the right with its long horns and side-on position holds the right side of the frame in and adds another point of interest. I love the open mouth of this animal as it creates an interesting dynamic. The shot is well focused and perfectly exposed with a good depth of field that keeps the attention on the main players of the scene. I also like the choice of crop that gives the image a cinematic quality. A shame the rear of the animal on the right is cuts through the edge of the frame, but adjusting the angle slightly may have unbalanced the central animal.