New Joiners - Animals #772

This is a gorgeous image that serves as an example of how an animal photograph can also be fine art. The patterns and lines formed by both of these Macaroni Penguins coming together create an almost abstract feel to the shot. There's also a deep sense of connection upon close study as well. Amazing work!

Otters make great subjects as they are amazing animals and full of charisma. The leaping posture of the Otter on the left side of the frame adds balance and harmony with the the tall grasses on the right side. The additional two Otters add interest and also demonstrates their communal behavior.

Using a pattern of repetition and incorporating a diagonal line are both strong compositional techniques, which are on display here. It's great to see each of the Seals lined up so nicely. Also, the the eye level perspective makes you feel like you're in the water enjoying the entire scene.

The rim light captured on the head and ears of each Cow really make this grouping standout amongst the vast landscape in the background. The backlight also provides a good contrast that's absolutely necessary for this black and white conversion. While the distant sky is bright, it does not overpower the Cows.

The dull background and rich textures help bring this Great Blue Heron image to light. The bird's highlights and color make it standout easily and become the center of attention in the frame. The slight vignette around the edges is also tastefully done. The rough surface on the rocks also adds some interest.

Utilizing a shallow depth of field to apply focus to a specific area in an image can be a great tool. The focus plane fall nicely on the Horse's eye and also brings emphasis to the reflection in the eye as well. The vertical crop is split evenly between the subject and the background.

This is a fantastic shot with many positives. The courtship between the two Doves is on display providing the viewer with a demonstrated behavior of the species. Most importantly, the urban background provides an amazing sense of space without distracting from each of the subjects as its slightly out of focus.

There's a sense of comedy and expression that's captured in this White Tailed Deer image. The eye wink and tongue lick definitely bring some life to this portrait. The water drops and spider webs in the surrounding foliage are a nice surprise. The foliage also frames and supports the subject.

The slower shutter speed utilized by the photographer creates motion with the rain streaks, yet the bird is still rendered sharp. The Munia is visibly wet, which adds interest and the surrounding foliage is a nice touch of natural framing around the bird. The soft out of focus green tones also compliment the subject.

The Bison is an icon of the American West and is expertly captured here. The golden light illuminates the Bison and brings out the blues and golds in the background. Blue and gold compliment each other well and help make this image aesthetically pleasing. The blade of grass hanging from subject's mouth is also a nice touch.

The first thing that strikes me in this image is the crop. A rather wide vertical composition that suits the Snowy Egret's posture in the frame. The foliage in the upper right corner provides a sense of balance with the bird. The highlights in the egret are exposed perfectly and help the subject easily standout.

What a dynamic and action packed moment that's captured in this Brown Bear image. The hand and claw positions stand out to me and of course the intense stare of the Bear. The splashing of water on both sides conveys a sense of intense motion. I would not want to be a fish swimming nearby!

This Emu silhouette image is a standout due to the gritty feel of it. The grain in the background from the high ISO exposure adds rather than subtracts from the composition. The outline of the bird is brought to attention by the feathery texture that extends in all different directions.

The human interaction with the Whale Shark makes for a great story and adds interest for the viewer. At times there is harmony between humans and the natural world and the Whale Shark is a good example of this. It's pleasing to see how the swimmer is angling toward the animal and enters the frame from the right side.

I have come across plenty of Peacock images with this composition, but none that are as tack sharp as you see here. The sharpness across the frame makes it almost mesmerizing and you can get lost just staring into the feather patterns. The bird's head and body are a bit slanted but it doesn't take much away from the shot.