New Joiners - Animals #840
Caron Steele

New Joiners - Animals #840

October 2025

Expert
winner
Entry 25724300
2nd
19

This is a striking composition full of color and balance. The rich orange of the tiger works beautifully against the lush green surroundings, and the mirror-like reflection doubles the visual impact. The central horizon line enhances symmetry, while the moment itself feels calm yet powerful. A perfect blend of elegance and strength. Great work!

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’.

Entry 25718813
19th
15

This is a clever capture by the photographer. The mirrored positioning of the two Sanderlings creates a pleasing visual rhythm. The alternating directions between front and back birds adds depth, while the warm sand tones provide a sense of habitat and space. This is a subtle and effective use of repetition and contrast.

A tender and natural moment captured. well here. The mother’s posture feels protective yet calm, and the young one’s grasp adds depth. The warm earth tones and soft light simplify the frame, allowing the intimate behavior to take center stage. A lovely example of connection and harmony within a textured, natural environment.

A fantastic use of backlight to define the Cow’s silhouette and create a glowing rim light along its fur and horns. The morning atmosphere captured here feels soft and still, and the illuminated spider webs add an additional layer of texture. This is a strong, moody image that shows you don't always need a subject facing you.

Entry 25731647
59th
7
Entry 25732867
12th
14

A beautiful blend of natural and human environments. The camel caravan creates a rhythmic flow across the frame, perfectly positioned below the sunlit cityscape. The warm tones tie both pieces of the frame together, and the lack of overlap between subjects and background gives the scene harmony, and a sense of balance.

This image stands out for its clever visual play and sense of humor. The alignment between the giraffe and Ferris wheel is perfect, creating a playful illusion that feels spontaneous yet intentional. The mix of wildlife and human-made structure gives it charm and wit. A reminder that perspective can transform an ordinary moment into art.

Entry 25734031
28th
2

This is a powerful and intense image. It captures the raw, unsanitized reality of predation well. The tight crop draws focus to the Red Tailed Hawk’s piercing eyes and bloodied bill, emphasizing dominance and survival. The soft green bokeh in the background provides just enough contrast to make the scene pop without diminishing the visceral impact.

Entry 25734739
38th
3

The black and white conversion gives this image a strong graphic quality, emphasizing texture in both the bird and surrounding stone. The vertical composition enhances the sense of flow from the water, guiding the eye naturally through the frame. A simple scene that's elevated through thoughtful composition and tonal control.

This underwater portrait stands out for its direct eye connection and balanced framing. The cool tones lend a calm, immersive quality to the image, while the outstretched fin adds some interest and dimension. The fish's expression is also a bit dour in a comical way and adds in some character.

Entry 25745311
10th
18

This is a great bird in flight capture. The vertical framing perfectly emphasizes the symmetry and reflection of the Egret. The bird'’s wings are frozen in an elegant pose with outstretched wings showing off the individual flight feathers. The outstretched feet and toes are nice details after close inspection as well.

A smart use of diagonal line in the composition as the Hawksbill Turtle moves naturally toward the upper corner of the frame. The sandy textures and muted tones of the shell blend well with the surrounding seafloor, giving a cohesive feel. This is a well-balanced underwater image that captures both movement and serenity.

This is a nice example of camouflage and natural pattern. The snake’s muted tones and textures blend seamlessly with its environment, forcing the viewer to slow down and look carefully. The low perspective works well here, bringing us eye-level with the subject and enhancing the intimacy of the overall scene.

Meet the expert judge

A well timed exposure that's all about the mixing motion and timing. The fast shutter speed freezes the Kingfisher perfectly mid-flight, showing fine feather detail and structure. The backlight through the wings makes them translucent while the clean blue background allows the bird to stand out. Excellent anticipation and technical control of the camera.

99 Photographers

Entry 25756974
54th
2

This image has a gritty mood that really draws me in. The fog softens the industrial lines of the tracks and poles, isolating the Moose beautifully against the haze. The placement of the silhouette where the rails converge adds both symbolism and visual tension. This reminds me of a vintage film exposure.

A timely capture of a behavioral moment. The lighting brings out that iridescent violet speculum beautifully against the dark, moody water. The low-key tones make the duck almost sculptural, and the hint of submerged greenery adds just enough color without distraction. These combined elements compensate for the Mallard's molting plumage.

7,108 Ratings