New Joiners - Animals #839

Usually an image like this looking straight down on the subject is at risk of having too much distraction and clutter due to how close to the ground you are, but the depth of field is shallow enough here that it works well. The added bonus is that wonderful gloss and reflection in the eyes.

What a great capture and how fortunate you were able to witness and photograph it. The depth of field is spot on to ensure that both the lion & wilderbeest are in focus paired with a great composition and exposure.

You've used the light so perfectly here to create an incredibly artistic image. I think it works better in colour with those complimentary warm hues and I love the reflection of light in the eyes, as well as the detail along the whiskers.

This is such a gorgeous image and also very technically proficient. The exposure is spot on with great detail throughout the image and I love how the tree acts as a natural frame. I'd consider a very slight crop from the bottom left.

You've used the foreground foliage really well here to frame this gorgeous subject. I think it could work even better if you cropped slightly from the top left corner to remove some of the empty space, and this could also be a great candidate for black and white.

This image is such a great example of why you don't need to fill the frame to create a compelling image. I love the contrast and dynamic range with the bird standing out so well. I'd consider a small crop from the left of the image to get the bird to look into the frame a bit more.

Those gorgeous, pastel and warm hues from the sky enhance this image so well and I love how you've captured that contrast between nature and man with the signpost being used as a perch. The image works really well in portrait orientation with the sign centralised.

You've used dramatic light so well here and whilst it's sometimes suggested that the eyes should be a point of focus, you've shown here that's not always the case. The contrast and detail on the creases in the nose are so aesthetically pleasing!

What a fabulous capture of some great behaviour and interaction between these two birds. I really like that the wings have some motion blur with the body and face nicely in focus to give more of a dynamic and energetic feel.

Whilst it's often said that you should avoid centralising your subject in wildlife photography, you've shown here why you should sometimes ignore that. The symmetry on the owl is perfect and those eyes pierce through the image so well, especially with no distracting elements in the rest of the image.

The bokeh on this image is so silky and divine and really enhances the overall feel and punch of it. Those blue eyes stand out well and I like the lighter exposure on the subject. I love it in colour but it could also work in black and white.

What an awesome capture! The light is divine and you've got great separation from the background, allowing us to appreciate every fine detail on the feathers. The aspect ratio works well, especially with the composition and a nice low perspective.

The surrounding foliage works well as a natural frame here, enhanced further with the shallow depth of field ensuring it doesn't become a distraction. The warm colour palette works well, paired with a nice low perspective and good composition with the subject looking into the frame.

The more panoramic aspect ratio works well in this image, giving the coyote more space to move into and drawing us in. I like that you've captured that eye contact which adds to the overall drama and atmosphere of the image.

I love how the subject and surrounding blankets work so well to frame this gorgeous cat, with the high contrast and detail in the fur popping from the image in black and white. I'd consider the slightest crop from the left but this is a personal preference.