New Joiners - Animals #870

This is a photograph all about strong composition and goes to prove that good images are possible with the phone that sits in your pocket. Take note of how the photographer has used the black and white conversion to strengthen the image, the panels of the house walls forming a brioght frame around the outside of the photograph, emphasising the darker central area that frames the sheep. The cracked and broken sheets provide a graphic and angular backdrop that I find both intriguing and rather dramatic.

This image may not be taken in the wild, but it is still nicely delivered. The macro lens naturally produces a shallow depth of field which has been used to isolate the subject and create an even-toned out of focus background that is the perfect soft pallet for the subject. The eyes are the immediate draw here, and the parially flowering teasel adds a bit of contrast and colour. Compositionally, the square crop and central placement feels a little safe.

I rather like the contrast between man and nature in this image. The position of the two sharks as the swim angled from bottom left to top right, is in sharp contrast the the boat above which forms almost an opposing 90 degree angle. Photographed from below with a wide angle lens, the natural darket outer vignette helps to frame the shot and draw our eues to the lighter central area and the bright underside of the animals.

An accomplished action shot that spaces these two protagonists really nicely in the frame. The composition feels well-balanced with the main bulk of these two animals anchoring opposing sides of the shot, their bared teeth and open moths clearly separated but almost interlocking and occuping that important central area, drawing our gaze immediately. The photographer has made good choices with the camera settings, the exposure nicely balanced and the fast shutter speed delivering a pin sharp result.

This is another image that is all about the comedy value. Some of the technical compositional choices may not be the strongest I have seen, but importantly the main point of focus is on the squirrel's eyes which are the immediate draw for our own gaze. We are also quickly draw to the odd angle and pose of this animal as it leans diagonally across the shot. The rear leg and paw reaching to scratch its underbelly gives the real awkwardness and the comedy gold.

There are a number of compositional things to note in this image - elements that go to make a strong photograph. Firstly, notice the placement of the owl to the right of centre, this is a good choice that balances the curving twig out of the right side of the frame which helps also to frame the top of the shot, followng the owl's outline. Secondly, the branch the owl is perched upon forms a nice diagonal across the frame without dominating. The background is bright and delivers a light and airy feel with its green tones - the shallow depth of field rendering is soft and beautifully textured. The owl contrasts well with the background and is nicely exposed. The direct eye contact creates immediate connection with the viewer and holds our gaze.

The composition of this image is simple but very effective. The shallow depth of field has cleverly draw all our attention to the facial features of the sealion, the darker tones standing out clearly. The placement of the head in the frame is nicely on the intersection of thirds creating a comfortable balance. The shape of the out of focus rocks also leads our eyes naturally to the main point of the image. The eyes shut tight provides a sense of calm.

It is important with close animal portraits to ensure that the focal point falls on the animal's eyes and that plenty of detail is delivered in the important features - in this case the eyes and the angular snout and face. I like the way the depth of field is sufficient to also keep the ears relatively sharp, yet deliver an out of focus background that avoids too much distraction. The grass cutting across the left handside of the frame is a little distracting, as is the bright out of focus area to the top right corner.

I don't recall seeing many split above and below water shots in these contests, but this is the second in this competition in my top 10 pick. Again, the photographer has divided the frame into neat thirds; the top strip above the waterline, the middle section the surface divide and the animals themselves, the lower third the sandy bottom with that delightful pattern formed by the light on the rippled surface. I like the way the skin tones of the two main subjects contrasts with the cooler blues of the water - this makes them stand out and draw our attention immediately. The depth of field is also well-judged, ensuring the main subjects are in sharp focus, the remainder of the frame retaining sufficient detail to provide context without being overly distracting. a really interesting frame.

This photograph works well through the use of depth of field - sufficiently shallow to keep our attention on the subject, but still retaining enough visual detail in the background to contextualise the shot and provide a strong sense of place. I also like the contrast of the warm tones of the animal's fur and the cool tones of the mountain backdrop.

I love the way the subtle diagonals across the frame formed by the track and the line of short grass lead our eyes through the frame. The leopard rightly dominates, the placement of the animal perfectly balancing the composition off-centre to the right with plenty of space to look into as it focuses its gaze. The open mouth provides a clear view of the lower canines and hints at the power of this animal. The light here is what makes the shot, its warm tones complimenting those of the animal's fur and providing a strong sense of place.

Photographs of elephants are quite popular in these contests, but this one stood out. I like the balance of the composition here and the clear connection between adult and juvenile. The position of the youngster's head and animated trunk - perfectly in the gap created between the adult's trunk and legs - balances this image perfectly. The perfect opposing directions and side view delivers a compelling frame.

The vertical orientation of this shot is the perfect choice of composition for this scene. I like the way the fallen log holds the right side of the frame and gradually drifts into focus at the point the squirrel's front paws rest upon it. The animal's eyes are in sharp focus, and the depth od field has retained detail throughout the animal, delivering sharp detail. the background has been rendered sufficiently out of focus to reduce distraction and help focus attention on the subject.

Giraffes can look rather goofy at times, as this image clearly demonstrates. I love the sense of comedy this tight portrait of the animal's head provides. Those misaligned ears and lazy eyes would have been enough in themselves to elicit a smile, but it's the shape of the mouth and position of the leaves that really deliver the laugh. Technically, the exposure has been well handled, the composition slightly to the left of centre is a good choice, and the shallow depth of field helps to isolate the head and hold our attention where it needs to be.