Young animals

Erika’s stunning image of a young seal pup taken on Dune island in Germany is a technical tour de force and a deserving winner. The high key effect and very shallow depth of field intimately frames her subject and creates a softness which accentuates the pup’s vulnerability. You cannot help but be engaged by the pup’s facial expression which draws the viewer into the frame. I sense Erika has really established a connection with her subject here and it shines throughout the frame in this remarkably sensitive image.

Paul captured this intimate moment on a bear watching trip to Finland. Skilfully composed, it captures the playful nature of the young cubs as they explore their habitat and immediate surroundings. Soft lush hues compliment the scene and I really like Paul’s use of crop which nicely frames this engaging composition.

Edmund’s portrait of a young Meerkat taken in the Kgalagadi Park in South Africa is skilfully framed and really makes this image. Immediately I’m drawn to the cheeky character of this young Meerkat as he nudges between Mum and Dad staring directly at the viewer. Familial bonds are readily established together with the playful nature of Edmund’s subject. There’s a story to be told in every photo and Edmund has captured that perfectly here in his engaging composition.

Verity’s image is awash with rich autumnal colour as the light cuts through the woodland canopy framing her subject. She has created a wonderful sense of softness and warmth in this image; both delicate and considered in a composition anyone would be very proud of.

Alex’s stunning image taken on a misty morning at Coniston Water just oozes atmosphere. The stillness and peace this image evokes is accentuated by the sense of space together with the skilful use of desaturated tones and subtle contrasts. As the mist lingers tentatively on the horizon, framing a soft silhouette of mother and chicks; it is a wonderful, sensitive study of wildlife in the context of its environment.

Phillip’s image provokes emotion and I actually find it rather unsettling which is precisely why it deservedly sits within my commended list. His subject looks down, somewhat lost in thought as he rests in stark surroundings. The strong shadow cast from the iron bars on a deep red background enhances that sense of detachment isolating Phillip’s subject from this bleak environment. A thought provoking image.

You would never think for a moment that Richard skilfully captured this intimate portrait beside his garden pond. A regular visitor, the low perspective, soft hues and Richard’s great sense of timing create a touching moment here which immediately connects with the viewer.

Warm rich colours wash throughout the frame of this intimate portrait taken by Ruth from a ground level perspective. A tight crop allows the viewer to immediately connect to the fawn, nestled underneath the lush woodland canopy. A truly engaging study of this beautiful creature.

It is the striking composition in Risa’s image which caught my attention, perhaps reminiscent of a bygone age in photography. Taken in the midday sun by the look of it, the strong leading lines, pronounced shadows and positioning of the ducks walking into frame just works. Coupled with the conversion to monochrome it could comfortably hang in some bespoke gallery in London or equally on the living room wall. I just really love it.

Neil’s photograph of a young seal pup taken at Donna nook in Lincolnshire is a wonderfully engaging image. I would only be tempted to perhaps the widen the crop a touch and just try to get a little lower to ground level so that your subject’s eyes look directly at you in to the lens.

Julie’s composition and low level perspective have definitely paid off in this captivating image of a young gosling framed within a sea of daisies. Whilst it may have benefited from a slight reduction in the highlight areas, it is nonetheless an engaging moment in time captured with great skill.