New Joiners - Animals #773

When working with common subjects such as gulls it can be challenging to come up with something different. I like the approach the photographer has taken here, that moody sky clearly being the focus of their attention, with the gull playing an anchor role. I love all the texture and tonal range the photographer has captured in the sky, the way it grades from light to dark across the frame is glorious. The conversion to black and white is an excellent choice, drawing even more attention to these key elements. It is the position of the gull in the frame that makes the shot - see how it occupies the transitional zone between light and dark. Note also how the head is angled in towards the top right corner and how the wings take on an opposing diagonal. Its bright plumage allows it to stand clear of the background, providing separation and making it immediately obvious. A really clever piece of work.

I'm a big fan of strong diagonals in composition - this image is a great example of how powerful they can be. This shot is all about the diagonal of the fallen log as it cuts across the frame and divides the photograph into clear segments. Some may find the young tree on the left a little distracting, but I think it compliments the image and helps to frame the main character. I also really like the reflection - the water is so still making the reflection sharp and clear. That rear foot as it dangles in the water is a nice touch. The twig that cuts across the face is a real shame and I would have removed it in post productio as this would have made the image far stronger.

A classic image of a Great Grey Owl which has been well executed. Ensuring the correct exposure would have been challenging with the relatively bright light and contrasting conditions, but this is judged perfectly. I also applaud the use of shutter speed to ensure everything is sharp and devoid of motion blur - look at how sharp those wing tips are. The use of f/8 has also delivered the ideal depth of field. I'm not a big fan of the heavy vingette that has been applied and would revisit the edit to tone this down slightly.

This image stood out to me owing to its strong composition and narrative. I like the diagonals that are formed by the shape of the bird on the left of the frame. Note how the position of the body angles from bottom left to top right, and how the wings point into the top left in balance. The space left in the right hand area of the frame is filled perfectly by the second bird which is beautifully animated with that wide open gape. The light is a little harsh and white, not helped by the blandness of the cool blue sky, but the photographer has balanced the exposure skillfully. The shutter speed choice also shows experience and has ensured a sharp shot. The crop is nicely balanced and the image comfortable to look at as a result.

I rather enjoy the idea and narrative behind this photograph. The photographer has deliberately sought to blur the water falling from the fountain to add an interesting dynamic to the image. This works really well. I also like the position of the swan which has remained sharp. Note also the additional bird (coot?) at the bottom left of the fountain - a nice little surprise for those that linger on the image. The final jigsaw piece is the father and child in the bottom right - they complete the narrative. I would have cropped in a little tighter to remove the figure cutting through the right edge of the frame.

This may be a lucky shot as the photographer implies, but the skill is in making the most of the opportunity, which they certainly did with this shot. The overall composition is very strong with a nice diagonal from bottom left to top right. Attention has been paid to placing the chameleon so it comes exactly from the bottom left corner and angles across the frame. There is delicious separation from the background which displays some joyful bokeh and colour that compliments the bright colours of the animal. The position of the dragonfly is the bonus that makes the image, the diagonal of its body in line with that of the chameleon. Great work.

Bee-eaters always make compelling subjects with their bright colours and good looks. This photograph has captured those characteristics adeptly. I really enjoy the ruffled look of the feathers, the light picking out those details nicely. The perch forms a nice angle across the frame adding, not detracting, from the overall composition. I also really like the use of out-of-focus foreground elements to help frame the bird and reduce distraction. Some may argue that these elements have obscured too much of the tail, but it works for me. The shadow around the eye is a little dark and I would lighten this area a touch in post production. I would also have liked a touch more space on the left edge of the frame.

I rather like the way the photographer has chosen to exclude the whole bird and concentrate on certain features instead. The composition is quite pleasing and I like the way the upper body and neck curve out of the top left of the frame providing the viewer with an interesting journey to the bird's head in the opposing corner. I love the detail of the feet which provide a strong anchor to the bottom of the image. A shame that the bright background has distracted a little from that amazing crest detail which is the main feature of this species. I would have been tempted to crop a little off the top of the image to reduce the impact of the background space in the top right portion.

The two things that stand out to me in this photograph are the pose of the subject and the contrasting background that ensures the viewer's attention falls squarely on the spider. That pose is to die for, the front legs reaching out into the frame like a child reaching for its parent. The shape they form provide an ideal frame for the star of the show, which are those large central eyes. The dark background emphasises all the detail of the body hairs and the shape and form of the spider. I also really enjoy the subtle bokeh that adorns this area of the frame. I'm not generally a big fan of placing subjects in the centre of a composition, but I think it works here with the shape of the leaf breaking the symmetry. A compelling shot.

The composition of this image is so clever. I really like the way the photographer has used the out-of-focus gull in the foreground as a frame for the main character. The curve of the neck and wings fold around the face of the fox pleasingly, focusing our attention on the animal's eyes and snout. The fox's intention is clear, and that provides the viewer with an obvious narrative. The deliberate over exposure renders the background and supporting elements white, removes any distraction, and provides the perfect contrast to the fox's fur. I would have been tempted to crop in a little tighter and reduce some of the redundant space in the top and left of the frame.

You can't help but be immediately drawn to that glaring snarl and perfect teeth of this lioness as it delivers a warning to its companion. The out-of-focus lion on the right of the frame offers a nice curved shape to help frame the main character - there is enough detail in this animal to add to the image without distracting our attention too much. The background is sufficiently soft not to distract and the overall exposure is well balanced. I find the dark area in the bottom right a little distracting and would be tempted to crop in a little tighter to remove it from the composition.

This photograph is rather fun with the main parental character supported by its cheeky offspring coming into the left side of the frame. The main strength is in the direct eye contact of our main subject - this creates immediate connection with the viewer and holds the attention. The focus is also bang on the bear's eyes, such a vital component to a successful shot. Just look and enjoy all the detail that has been captured in this animals fur - I especially like those droplets as they drip from the mouth and the mosquitos buzzing around the adult's head. The tight crop and overall composition works well, the youngster in the left portion adds interest and balance. The image feels a little over exposed and I would be tempted to revist the edit and make some adjustments.

There is so much to admire technically about this image which has been executed with great skill. The light is ideal for this type of portrait photograph, bright enough to pick out detail and colour, but soft enough to sculpt with delicate light and shade. The focus and depth of field is spot on, everything is sharp that should be, but the clear separation from the uncomplicated background has ensured that all the attention is on the bird. The pose is also really nice, that sideways position of the head has emphasised the crest feathers. I also really like the perch - the colour of the flowers compliment the bright plumage on the cheek and rump. Quality work.