New Joiners - Animals #796

The technical execution required for a shot like is at a very high level. Getting flights shots is one thing, but achieving a bird flying straight at the camera is at a whole other level. The Northern Cardinal is tack sharp and the out of focus background adds some additional interest due to its color. Well done!

There are many cat images submitted to this contest and it takes a little extra for one to stand out amongst the rest. The colorful framing with its vibrant yellows and worn textures brings this shot to life. The composition is divided neatly into three separate segments with the subject properly placed in the middle.

It's hard to come up with a pleasing composition for a Bumble Bee shot, but this one works well. The bee is captured as it perches on a colorful flower and demonstrates its pollinator behavior. I rather like how the subject and flower are on a diagonal slant as it's more interesting.

This is an interesting Red Fox image as the light falls onto the background and the subject is in shade. While this isn't always a recipe for success, it actually works here. The subject is still front and center and the bright tones help support the shot and do not distract the viewer.

These baby rabbits or hares look adorable as they cuddle together in a shallow scrape made by the parent. They form a circular pattern in the frame and invite the viewer in to study how each baby is positioned. My attention is immediately drawn to the eyes and each expression.

Macro photography can unlock a whole new world to people as we're not able to see this scale and detail with our own naked eyes. The locusts are almost alien like up close and it's so cool to see all of their details. Using a wider focal length was smart as there's some space and both subjects are relatively sharp.

This Cat image is divided into two segments, one minimalistic and almost devoid of color and the other being quite busy and loaded with color. This is a nice contrast and the subject is smartly placed in front of the white background, which is free of any distractions. The crack in the wall is a nice detail.

A close up shot of this Elephant's eye can lead the viewer to image all sorts of things at first glance. I'm immediately drawn into the incredible textures to include all the wrinkles, creases, and dried dust. The skin folds and creases create an interesting circular pattern around the eye.

The surrounding foliage really brings this image together and gives it some punch. The bird is nicely enveloped by the greenery and its shape and color also add some interest. The subject looks over into the rest of the frame and offers a sense of balance. The white border is a nice touch as well.

I wasn't quite sure what I was looking at when I first came across this image, so it peaked my interest. The beautiful orange eye immediately captures my attention and stands out near the center of the frame. The fabric splits the frame in two and helps makes the shot almost abstract.

The natural framing is so well done in this Deer image. Each tree trunk borders the edge of the frame on either side and they come together to form a pocket that contains the subject. In addition to framing the composition, the trees offer a sense of habitat for the deer and help tell its story.

I enjoy silhouette images and this blackbird image is done well. The photographer was able to capture the bird in flight with pleasing wing and feet positions. The branches come up from the lower right corner of the frame and support the subject while occupying some space in the frame.

Sometimes you don't need a subject that's looking back at the viewer. In this case, the dog joins us in looking into the scene. The stair case and stair rails act as leading lines and invite us to look with the subject, deep in to the frame. The orange harness also adds a pop of color.

While the light is fairly strong, it hits this lizard directly and does not come across as too hard. The strong light does illuminate the animal's textures and shows every bit of detail in terms of color. The extended hand and long claws capture your attention and imagination at the same time.

This is such a please image. The still water offers a gorgeous reflection of the Border Collie and surrounding foliage. I like how both halves of the frame come together and touch with the dog's tongue. The subject along with the spit of land form a nice triangle due to the reflections.