New Joiners - Animals #763

This a common technique when it comes to capturing Peacocks but the perspective is unique here. Instead of a head on shot, this angled view places emphasis on the well lit base of the tail feathers, which contrasts nicely with the darker side of the frame to the left of the bird's head and neck.

The yellow eyes in this Cat portrait are show stoppers and immediately make the picture pop. Also, the slightly out of focus whiskers dominate the space of the frame and spread out into its edges. I rather like how the focus falls squarely on the eyes, allowing everything else to become a support act.

This Gray Squirrel is not shy and poses for the camera is a very humorous manner. While the squirrel's entire body isn't included in the frame, it's really not necessary here. The metal fence loops are evenly proportioned and the subject's hands are perfectly placed. The eye contact raises the overall engagement factor.

The late evening, golden light really brings this Short Eared Owl image to life. The bird's intense stare captures your attention and the downward wing position creates a sleek shape. The depth of field is shallow enough to render the background out of focus and minimize any potential distractions. I would not want to be a vole nearby.

I don't normally come across Crocodile images taken at such an intimate perspective as this one. Bringing the viewer down to an eye level with this intimidating reptile is powerful as you can appreciate the size of it's mouth and the teeth! The scales and textures along its back also stand out.

This is the most artistic image in the contest and it generates a good deal of interest for the viewer. The Cat's outward gaze is complemented by the reflection in the glass. It's a great trick as you can see what the subject is seeing. Also, the black and white conversion simplifies the composition.

This Robin image is.a standout thanks to the photographer's usage of light. The backlight creates some subtle bokeh, and most importantly illuminates the bird's face and creates a feeling of expression. This shot also breaks a general rule as the subject is looking away, but it works. The use of natural framing also adds interest.

This macro Bee image can almost pass for a painting due to a soft focus utilized by the photographer. The subject's body is sharp enough, but does blend nicely into the blurred flower petal in the background. Upon closer inspection, the pollen clinging all over the Bee is a nice touch of detail.

I'm really excited to select an underwater image as a winner for the contest. This shot is outstanding and not something that can easily be captured. The Frogfish as a subject alone is a show stopper let along combined with a behavioral, action scene. I love the blur of the baitfish as it emphasizes motion and incorporates a dynamic energy into the scene.

There's so much energy that can be felt when studying this action image. The Kestrel in the foreground is positioned well with its wings and tail feathers outstretched as it struggles with its peer. The face is perfectly lit and is contrasted with the shadows on the face of the other bird.

Most waterfowl images are taken at a waterline perspective, which makes this shot more unique and the reason I like it. Shooting down on the duck brings out the water color and its textures, which is something you wouldn't see otherwise. The wing flap action and surrounding vignette are additional positives.

At times, an animal portrait can also tell a story. This female Lion appears to be missing an eye, which symbolizes her past struggles and fight for survival in the wild. The Lion is tack sharp thanks to a solid technical execution by the photographer. The highlights around the mouth and chin also stand out.

I love exaggerating scale in animal photographs and it can usually be humorous as you see here. You can almost smell this Bull when looking into the frame and can't help but pull back a bit. A very short focal length is required for this effect and an iPhone is the perfect tool for that.

What a sweet moment that's shared between these two Mallards. Beyond the intimate contact between the two, there's a nice display of symmetry in the frame as each duck has a similar pose. The textured water in the background also contains some pleasing, supporting color. Sometime it's all about being in the right place at the right time.

The soft, hazy light in this Spotted Deer image creates an ethereal like feel. You have to appreciate the size and scale of the antlers on this buck, and they also encapsulate two tree trunks in the background. Including the deer's head in the middle of the frame works fine and allows room for some of the body and the diagnostic spots.