Here are the top ten images uploaded to Photocrowd from Round Eight, Wildlife, with comments by the AP team and our guest judge
In association with MPB
Round Eight Wildlife
Almost without fail, wildlife is the most popular round in APOY. Competition is fierce and the standard is exceptionally high. We see entries that feature everything from the tiniest insect to the most majestic of the big cats, and whether they were shot in the back garden, a zoo or on safari, all are considered. This makes it an extremely tricky category to judge, and it can also be a very subjective category, possibly more so than any other: one judge’s first-placed image might not even be commended by another. It’s also important for the judges not to be swept away by the drama of a subject simply because it might be more ‘exotic’.
Our top ten images this round are united by their superb execution, observation and timing skills on the part of the photographers, and overall excellence. We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed judging them.
1 Steve Santel USA 100pts
A great deal of photography relies on immaculate timing, but no genre more so, perhaps, than wildlife. It’s Steve’s superb timing skills and anticipation that make this shot a winner. Capturing the long-tailed weasel at full stretch, suspended in mid-air, is no mean feat, and the sheer intensity of its mission gives us an idea of how difficult its existence must be – especially given what is clearly a pretty hostile environment. An apparently simple image that has plenty of hidden depth, and a worthy winner.
CAMERA CLUB HIGHEST SCORE
2 Graeme Youngson UK 90pts
Guest judge Keith Wilson says:
‘Pigeons. Yes, pigeons! For me, this picture of a posse of pigeons roosting on a bus shelter on a wet day in Glasgow, is a standout entry. As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be in my top ten. Why? Well, unlike so many of the wildlife photographs received, this photo by Graeme Youngson may not be spectacular, but it is highly original. It offers an unusual perspective on one of the most ubiquitous subjects of our city streets. The way the lines of the glass panels of the shelter divide the frame symmetrically helps strengthen the overall composition. And converting to black and white suits the gritty tone and weather conditions of the location. This image also serves to remind us that you don’t have to travel abroad to get a memorable wildlife photograph. Simple, original and very effective.’
3 Lewis Newman UK 80pts
With this outstanding shot by Lewis, it’s the glorious golden light breaking through the mist that takes the breath away. The viewer can almost ‘feel’ the stillness, broken only by the stag slowly and regally making its way through the water. We need no more information than the silhouette of those
