New Joiners - Animals #831
Caron Steele

New Joiners - Animals #831

September 2025

Crowd and
Expert winner

This is a spectacular capture that celebrates both timing and storytelling. The Grebe’s sharp red eye locks onto its prey, while the fish thrashes mid-air in a desperate spray of water. It’s a dynamic instant that reveals raw survival and skill in perfect balance. The colors, movement, and behavior align beautifully, making this a standout and well-deserved winner. Great work!

Meet the expert judge

100 Images entered

Entry 25378808
26th
5

This photograph dazzles with its vibrant interplay of color and form. The bold magentas of the jellyfish glow against the deep blue water, creating a palette that feels both electric and alive. The twisting, chaotic movement fills the frame with energy, while the trailing tentacles add fine texture and rhythm.

97 Photographers

7,697 Ratings

This image has the feel of a western painting, where light, land, and wildlife merge into one scene. The two bison anchor the frame with quiet strength, while the sweeping meadow and distant pines build a sense of scale and place. The weathered tree in the foreground adds texture and depth, making the composition feel immersive.

Entry 25371290
15th
7

This image feels delicate and full of life. The Bee rests gracefully on the flower, its golden tones harmonizing with the soft purples and greens that surround it. The blurred background melts into a painterly wash of color, allowing the subject to shine. A gentle, beautifully balanced capture that radiates charm.

Entry 25378934
38th
2
Entry 25379247
85th
1

This is a wonderfully creative composition that makes the viewer feel almost eye-level with the Giraffe, as if standing right beside it. The diagonal sweep of the neck intersects the frame beautifully, leading the eye into the subject’s face. The rich brown patterns contrast with the soft blue sky, giving both strength and harmony. An artistic perspective that feels fresh and immersive.

This image thrives on mood and atmosphere. The Komodo Dragon emerges from darkness like , its face and tongue caught perfectly in the spotlight while the body dissolves into shadow. The play of light on stone adds drama and mystery, leaving space for imagination. A cinematic rendering of a formidable creature.

Entry 25380256
13th
6

This image thrives on texture and movement. The rippling water flows in golden streaks, creating a sense of energy and direction, while the armored ridges of the Alligator echo that rhythm with their own repeating pattern. The light falls stronger on half the frame which adds to the overall mood.

Entry 25383516
56th
5

This photograph feels deeply connected to place. The raven stands firm on the rock, its dark form melting beautifully with the layered blues and whites of the snowy mountains behind. The cool tones throughout create harmony between bird and environment, emphasizing how naturally it belongs here. A moody portrait of wildness and setting intertwined.

Entry 25385256
41st
2
Entry 25386684
35th
3
Entry 25386929
18th
2

This is a contemplative and beautifully atmospheric image. The monkey’s thoughtful pose suggests quiet reflection, made even stronger by the textures and weathered blues and greens of the wall behind it. The interplay of soft fur against chipped paint creates a striking contrast of life and environment. It’s a portrait that feels both tender.

Entry 25388613
36th
3

This portrait strikes an interesting contrast, an apex predator with immense power, emphasized by those formidable claws, yet shown here in a moment of play. Resting against the ball, the bear reveals a surprising tiredness, transforming the scene into something both endearing and layered. An image that balances strength with vulnerability.

A commanding portrait that fills the frame with presence. The Lion’s face and mane extend edge to edge, bringing the viewer a sense of the subject's strength and quiet dignity. The golden tones glow with warmth, while the eyes hold steady and unflinching, demanding attention. It’s an intimate yet powerful image.

Entry 25393830
84th
1
Entry 25395468
23rd
5
Entry 25395928
21st
3

This is a fascinating close-up that transforms a small creature into something larger than life. The textured detail of the snail’s skin feels sculptural, while the raised eyestalks give it an alien appearance rarely appreciated at this scale. By bringing the viewer so close, the photograph turns the overlooked into a subject of wonder.

Entry 25397188
67th

This portrait stands out for its playful creativity. The Cat’s intense golden eyes peer through the cutout like a watchful guardian, while the cardboard box and printed symbols add a layer of human interaction. It’s a clever blend of artificiality and feline personality, turning a simple moment into a memorable image.

This image immediately draws a smile. The close perspective gives the Donkey a comical, endearing presence, as if it’s leaning in to greet the viewer. The rim light outlining the ears adds a subtle glow that elevates the portrait, while the warm setting provides context and charm. A playful and character rich capture.

Entry 25399880
2nd
13

This is a charming image that works beautifully through simplicity and tone. The warm browns of the squirrel blend seamlessly with the soft, out-of-focus background, creating a natural harmony. Its feeding posture adds a touch of character and story, while the sharp detail against muted surroundings makes the subject pop. A delightful and well-balanced capture.

Brief

See more contest details

Welcome to Photocrowd’s ‘Animals’ contest for New Joiners! These contests are a chance for new members to introduce their photography to the community, and get a taste of how Photocrowd contests work. They can be entered by anyone within their first 28 days of joining Photocrowd. After 100 images have been submitted the contest closes and the Crowd will start rating the images. The Expert Judge will also be judging the images and writing reviews at the same time. All the winners, both Crowd and Expert, will be announced after 3 days of judging. Make sure you also check out our two other New Joiners contests - ‘People’ and ‘Landscapes’.