New Joiners - Animals #835

I chose this image for the beautiful bokeh background it delivers. The shallow depth of field has rendered the background out of focus, creating interesting light balls and patterns from the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. This forms an appealing frame for the subject, a butterfly perched on a thistle. A slightly tighter crop would have brought even more attention to the butterfly, and a small exposure adjustment could help brighten the overall image.

I really enjoy the complementary tones of the moth and the flowers, which work together harmoniously. The photographer has captured a pleasing level of detail in the insect, particularly its beautifully patterned wings, while ensuring the background is rendered as a smooth, distraction-free canvas. It is a real shame, however, that the tip of the left wing has been clipped, as its inclusion would have elevated the overall composition.

This image demonstrates several strong technical qualities, capturing a dynamic moment as the bird strikes for its meal. The relatively low angle of view immediately creates a sense of intimacy, while the frozen water droplets add drama and energy as the beak pierces the surface. The light is rather harsh, however, which has led to some blown highlights in the whites. Despite this, the timing and composition make the image compelling.

The success of this image lies in its strong use of diagonals. The bird’s body creates a dynamic line from bottom right to top left, an energy that is cleverly counterbalanced by the opposing diagonal of the fence. The soft, unobtrusive background keeps all attention on the subject, while the perfectly timed capture – the open beak and the sharp focus on the eye – animates the entire frame. The eye’s position close to the intersection of thirds is another well-judged compositional choice, helping to anchor the image with strength and balance.

I love the composition of this image – the interplay of colour and structure is superb. The dividing line between the blue paint and the edge of the steps draws the eye through the frame in a glorious diagonal. The contrast between the vivid colour of the walls on the left and the muted tones of the steps and adjoining wall divides the frame with real skill. The cat is, of course, the star of the show. It stands out boldly against the blue and commands immediate attention, its placement another masterstroke. The glance back towards the doorway adds an extra layer of intrigue. A beautifully constructed photograph.

The use of light is the standout element here. Shooting into the sun is never easy, but the photographer has handled it with real skill – positioning the subject to mask the direct glare while still harnessing that beautiful backlight. The result is a striking halo effect that outlines the donkey, lifting it from the frame. The contrast between the dark, textured fur and the bright sunlight is very effective, and exposure has been carefully managed to hold detail in both highlights and shadows. The choice of vertical composition works well with the posture of the animal, and the shorter focal length adds welcome context by retaining detail in both foreground and background elements.

A simple yet effective portrait, this image makes strong use of negative space at a time when many would have cropped in more tightly. Chipmunks are naturally compelling subjects, especially when eating and filling their pouched cheeks, as we see here. I like the positioning of the animal in the frame, with the branch providing a strong anchor at the bottom. While the background is somewhat busy, the shallow depth of field has done well to minimise its impact, keeping attention firmly on the chipmunk.

This popular location is well-known for photographing the iconic Kea, and the photographer has made good use of a wide-angle lens to place the bird in its environment. The extended depth of field adds valuable context, helping to tell the story of where this species lives. Timing is another strength – the spread wings and dangling legs bring a sense of energy and movement to the frame. A fast shutter speed has ensured sharpness throughout, avoiding any motion blur. With a little colour and exposure correction in post-production, the image could be elevated even further.

This image demonstrates some solid technical skills. The low angle of view, at eye level with the subject, immediately creates a stronger connection with the viewer. The shallow depth of field works well to isolate the deer from the busy foreground and background, while still retaining a sense of place. The focus is perfectly placed on the visible eye, which is essential for an image like this. Personally, I might have opted for a slightly tighter crop with the deer more centrally placed to strengthen the composition.

This image is all about capturing a fleeting moment that the human eye struggles to register in real time – a bird mid-flight as it comes in to land on its chosen perch. The composition is well-balanced, with the outstretched wings and extended legs complemented by the pleasing diagonal created by the tail and body. The background has been rendered nicely out of focus, helping to eliminate distractions and keep our attention firmly on the subject. The exposure is a little on the bright side, with some highlights that could be recovered in post-production. In addition, the shutter speed was slightly low if the aim was to freeze the action completely – as seen in the soft blur on the wing tips. For this type of moment, a speed of at least 1/2,500 sec would deliver sharper results.

This portrait is all about symmetry which can be such a powerful compositional tool. Note how the features of this squirrel are centrally placed and mirrored almost exactly through an imaginary vertical central line. The focal point is directly on the eyes, an essential part of a good portrait image. I also like the black and white conversion which has helped us concentrate our attention on the composition, shape, tones and textures.

The correct choice of shutter speed has been crucial to the success of this image. For me, it’s all about freezing the action as the bird launches from the drinking pool, leaving its companions to continue their bath. The two that remain anchor the lower portion of the frame, their contrasting behaviour adding depth to the story – one standing alert and watchful, the other ruffling its feathers mid-wash. The departing bird injects drama into the scene, the airborne droplets enhancing the sense of movement. While the background is a touch busy, the choice of a smaller aperture has ensured that all three subjects are rendered sharp, which strengthens the overall composition.

What stands out in this image is the clever use of artificial backlight to make the spider and its web leap from the frame. By exposing for the highlights, the photographer has darkened the background, creating dramatic contrast and revealing the intricate detail of the web, with the spider perfectly positioned at its centre. Personally, I would have preferred a tighter crop to exclude some of the flowers below, allowing the eye to focus more strongly on the main subject. Nonetheless, this is a creative and well-executed idea that demonstrates real photographic vision.

I love the playful effect of a wide-angle close-up of an animal such as a cow or horse. In these rare situations, the focus is often better placed on the nose rather than the eyes, as it becomes the central focal point. This image is a strong example of that technique, and the black and white conversion has been used to excellent effect, enhancing contrast and drawing attention to the form and texture of the subject.