New Joiners - Animals #837
Caron Steele

New Joiners - Animals #837

September 2025

Entry 25591541
67th
3
Entry 25592454
27th
16
Expert
winner

This photograph stands out for its rhythm and cohesion. The repeating shapes of the Impala heads and bodies create a mesmerizing pattern, drawing the viewer deeper into the herd. The slower shutter turns falling rain into graceful streaks, adding movement and atmosphere. A beautifully orchestrated moment where repetition, texture, and weather combine into one striking frame. Great work!

Entry 25602510
61st
3
Entry 25602704
19th
11

This portrait combined both light and shadow. The dog’s dark coat blends into the surrounding darkness, creating a low key mood that feels intimate and dramatic at once. The single highlighted eye becomes the focal point, glowing against the subdued background and pulling the viewer into the animal’s presence and thoughtful expression.

Entry 25603679
24th
5

This photograph has a striking low key quality that feels almost like a studio portrait. The deep shadows frame the snake’s vivid green coils, creating a sense of power. The scales glint under the selective light, enhancing texture while keeping the background subdued. An intimate look at a creature often seen only from a distance.

Entry 25605508
38th
3
Entry 25605599
65th
2

This photograph feels like a landscape painting. Soft mist and some autumn colors weave a tapestry of birch, spruce, and ground cover that’s both vibrant and serene. The three moose anchor the scene with a sense of narrative as they forage about while still letting the surrounding wilderness take center stage.

Entry 25606418
54th
2
Entry 25609334
76th
2

This is a beautifully timed capture of a fleeting interaction. Swallows are notoriously quick and difficult to follow, yet here the photographer freezes the exact instant of feeding with clarity and sharpness. The soft background and mossy perch allow the birds o take center stage, highlighting both precision and intimacy in a split second.

Entry 25615068
10th
8
Entry 25616333
14th
11

This portrait is impactful because of the bird’s intense red eyes and elegant feather plumes cascading from its neck. The dark, contrasty background lets those features pop and gives the image a dramatic feel. It draws you straight into the subject’s gaze while still showcasing the delicate textures of the plumage.

This is a wonderfully composed portrait where nature and subject work together. The twisting tree roots create an organic frame that draws the viewer directly to the two Dogs. Their black and white coats pop against the earthy tones, and their alert expressions add energy. A creative use of environment to highlight character and connection.

This underwater shot stands out for its rarity and perspective. Looking up from the reef toward the surface places us in the Sea Lion’s world, and the cool blue tones enhance that immersive feel. The animal’s relaxed posture coming down from above gives a sense of grace that contrasts with the textured seafloor below.

Entry 25617215
8th
9

This image draws you in with its unique perspective. Shooting from above makes the Turtle’s head breaking the waterline the focal point, while the rest of its body disappears into soft, muted tones below. It’s a subtle but effective way to show behavior and split the frame without much depth needed.

This is a commanding portrait that captures the Bald Eagle’s unmistakable presence. The intense golden eye and slight forward angle of the bill create a sense of focus and authority. Fine feather detail and a softly blurred backdrop keep all attention on the bird, letting its expression and regal posture speak powerfully for themselves.

93 Photographers

Meet the expert judge

100 Images entered

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’.

6,034 Ratings

Entry 25618035
18th
8

I like the soft, atmospheric feel of this frame. The misty background and muted tones create a sense of calm that lets the subject stand out well. The Stag’s impressive antlers give the subject height in the frame, and its steady gaze gives a strong, regal presence without feeling overdone.

Entry 25618945
72nd
2

I love the subtle interaction in this scene. The rabbits lined up against the weathered brick wall create a gentle, almost painterly composition. The rough texture of the bricks contrasts beautifully with the softness of the animals’ fur, giving the whole frame a rustic charm while still feeling intimate and authentic, paper cup included.

Entry 25627751
51st
13

I really enjoy the up-close and intimate perspective here. The wide-angle view exaggerates the Donkey’s head and ears, creating a playful sense of scale that draws you right in. The black-and-white treatment adds texture and depth, letting the details in the fur and harness stand out while keeping the focus on expression and shape.