New Joiners - Animals #832

What immediately strikes me about this photograph is the boldness of its composition. Placing the squirrel in the bottom left corner breaks the conventional rule of thirds, yet in this instance it elevates the image. This unusual choice works beautifully, in part due to the diagonal formed by the alignment of the squirrel’s body, head, and legs, which runs from bottom left to top right and gives the composition strong directional energy. I also appreciate the background and the repeating pattern created by the surrounding vegetation. The wider framing ensures this pattern is fully included, adding depth and visual interest without detracting from the main subject.

Storytelling is a strong theme in this contest, and this image delivers a compelling contextual narrative. The central figure is clearly the cat, even though it is partially obscured and almost overwhelmed by the window frame that defines the composition. I particularly like the warm tones of the aged building, which convey a sense of mystery and charm. Using the window frame to anchor the composition is a strong choice, and the reflection of light on the glass hints at bright sunlight outside, adding depth and atmosphere to the scene.

Sometimes exclusion can be just as powerful as inclusion in photography. Here, part of the deer’s head is obscured by foliage, which not only adds important habitat context but also creates a sense of intrigue as the viewer instinctively fills in the missing details. The eyes, clearly visible through the vegetation and in sharp focus, are the crucial anchor of the composition. Meanwhile, the antlers rising above the bracken steal the show, instantly revealing the subject and adding a striking visual presence.

The first thing the viewer is drawn to in this photograph is the hare’s direct eye contact. Eyes are such a vital element in wildlife photography, often serving as the anchor around which everything else is built. I also appreciate the dynamic quality of this image, the photographer having captured the perfect moment of momentum as the hare takes flight. The shallow depth of field ensures our focus remains firmly on the animal, while still allowing just enough environmental detail to provide context. The image does appear a little soft, however – perhaps the result of a heavy crop – which slightly reduces its overall impact.

I often highlight this in my reviews, but direct eye contact is such a powerful element in wildlife photography - especially in relatively tight portraits, as we see here. The focus is clearly locked on the seal’s eyes, and that direct stare straight down the lens creates an immediate and essential connection with the viewer. The composition is equally strong, with the eyes placed just left of centre to give the frame a natural balance and flow.

This image demonstrates the power of the iPhone, a camera that is always immediately accessible. Like many strong entries, it is all about storytelling, crafted with a clear artistic sensibility. I particularly admire the leading lines formed by the ferry’s seats and rails, with the vertical format making the most of their structure. The slight underexposure creates a subtle silhouette, reducing the distraction of the girl’s busy clothing and emphasising her shape and form. The light shining through her fluttering shirt adds a delicate touch of contrast. However, the strongest element is the timing - the split second before the gull snatches the food from her outstretched hand, bill open and wings spread wide. The placement of the sun is also well judged; the underexposure ensures it acts as a visual pivot without dominating the scene.

This photograph is a compelling demonstration of the power of negative space when used effectively. The photographer has deliberately broken many conventional rules, and the result is striking. The two elephants are positioned towards opposing vertical edges of the frame, with equal spacing, defying the rule of thirds yet creating a satisfying balance. The central negative space is unusual but highly effective, inviting the viewer to reflect on the distance between the individuals and raising questions about their relationship. The carefully placed divide between grass and sky adds a sense of tranquility, which is further enhanced by the simplicity of the black-and-white conversion. The result is a simple, elegant, and captivating image.

Many photographers worry about digital noise, but in certain circumstances it can enhance the atmosphere of an image. This photograph is a perfect example: the subtle grain adds texture and a gritty quality that complements the foggy environment in which the bison was photographed. Had this been cleaned up in post-production, much of the character and mood would have been lost, and the slightly muted, atmospheric feel sacrificed for technical crispness. The noise here contributes to the overall narrative, giving the image depth and a sense of presence.

Photographing groups of animals is never easy - their positions in relation to one another can make or break the image. Here, the photographer has achieved a wonderful sense of balance. The central elephant quite literally takes the lead, the group flanked on either side by two of the largest animals, creating a natural framework of symmetry for the rest of the herd to fit within. The tight formation, with no spaces between individuals, reinforces the impression of a unified group moving as one body. The light is exceptional - slightly backlit, it illuminates the dust kicked up by the herd and infuses the scene with energy and atmosphere. Foreground and background elements also play their part: the darker foreground acting as a strong visual anchor, while the softer background provides context without distraction. The result is a photograph full of life, balance, and cohesion.

Ladybirds are a popular choice for macro photography. Their bright red colouring is naturally eye-catching and often helps them stand out from their surroundings, as we see here. The photographer has made good use of a shallow depth of field to maintain emphasis on the subject and minimise the impact of a busy background. Personally, I would have preferred a tighter crop, and I feel the addition of a white border is unnecessary.

All strong portraits begin with sharp focus on the eyes, and this image is no exception. With the shallow depth of field at play, the eyes become the natural point of connection with the viewer. The blur has also removed distractions from both foreground and background, allowing the subject to dominate. The complementary tones of these softer areas add further harmony to the composition, while the central placement of the subject feels balanced and effective.

When faced with busy background and foreground elements, depth of field can be a powerful tool to keep attention on the subject. In this image, the rocky terrain provides strong environmental context, clearly showing the marmot’s natural habitat. The shallow depth of field softens these potentially dominant areas, ensuring the marmot remains the sharp focal point and natural centre of attention. From a compositional perspective, I might have preferred a slightly off-centre placement of the head, though this is ultimately a matter of personal taste.

I really appreciate the strong storytelling in this photograph. The lines of the road and verge provide a natural pathway for the eye to travel across the frame, a journey cleverly interrupted by the pronghorn standing boldly on the verge. The animal’s direct eye contact further captures our attention. The placement of elements within the frame is carefully considered, giving the image a pleasing balance and flow. The low angle of the sun adds a beautiful warm tone and subtly rim-lights the pronghorn, helping to separate it from the background and enhancing the overall impact.

Pet portraits are a common entry in these contests, so it is refreshing to see one where real thought has gone into the composition. What stands out here is the use of colourful flowers to frame the dog as it stares directly down the barrel of the lens. The vertical format and central placement of the face are strong choices that work beautifully. The chosen aperture of f/2 has allowed the photographer to control depth of field effectively, creating pleasing separation between subject and both foreground and background elements, all with a standard 50mm lens.

What works especially well here is the way the photographer has created strong separation between the subject and the background. This has been achieved through a thoughtful combination of shallow depth of field and tonal contrast. The difference in exposure values between the shaded background and the lighter tones of the animal’s fur has been recognised and used to great effect. The focal point is firmly on the monkey’s eyes, and that wistful gaze away from the camera gives the impression that the animal is unaware of our presence. The vertical format is also a smart choice, complementing the upright posture perfectly.