The Company Of Animals

For this new set of challenges in the series centered on 'Animals to Music' there will be a specific theme for each challenge so please read the rules ! For this challenge, dual submission is required from each entrant 1] must be the original photo used [ or the bird/s photo if a composite ] 2] Using your bird/s photo, turn it into your interpretation for a [square ] album/cd cover...

For this new set of challenges in the Company Of Animals series, 'Animals to Music' there will be a specific theme for each challenge so please read the rules ! For this challenge, turn a horse photo [ which you have taken ] into your interpretation for an album/cd cover for the song 'Horse With No Name' by America. The cover must feature one or more living horse/s [ or any crop/close-up of ...

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, show one or more bird in or on a MAN MADE bird habitat, ie bird table, bird box, bird bath etc, any structure which through design, or incidental result, is helping birds by providing a place for food or water or shelter. *Capture date is relevant in respect of being Spring months so this over rides the No...

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, show one or more bird in or on a MAN MADE bird habitat, ie bird table, bird box, bird bath etc, any structure designed to assist birds to get through a winter by providing a place for food or water or shelter. *Capture date is relevant in respect of being a Winter months shot so this over rides the No...

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, show a statue or a representation [ ie Chinese Dragon costume ] of any MYTHICAL animal/creature, conjured from the human mind. It can be historical myth, sci-fi, or even a 'new' creature made of lego or anything else, as long as representation of a mythical creature of some sort is obvious. Humorous entries are...

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, show a statue of any animal in a public place, clearly designed as a remembrance / tribute to that animal. If unsure of any of the rules please do ask via pm. DQs of non-eligible entries will be done at the close of submissions.

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, *in Sepia, any hue, or black and white/mono*, show at least one human with at least one Equine of any variety in which affection is being shared. If a ridden Equine, the rider must be patting or otherwise clearly showing affection to the Equine. If unsure of any of the rules please do ask via pm. DQs of...

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, *in Sepia, any hue*, show at least one human with at least one animal of any species in which affection is being shared ie cuddling a dog, patting a horse, sharing a special bonding moment basically, but there must be physical communication at that moment. Previous entries to similar challenges are invited,...

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, show at least one human with at least one animal of any species enjoying Christmas together. [ Something clearly Christmasy must be evident in the shot ]. If unsure of any of the rules please do ask via pm. DQs of non-eligible entries will be done at the close of submissions.

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, *in black and white / mono*, show at least one human with at least one bird. The birds may be captive or wild. [*No shots showing birds eating dead creatures of any variety ]. If unsure of any of the rules please do ask via pm. DQs of non-eligible entries will be done at the close of submissions.

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, *in black and white / mono*, show at least one human with at least one animal of any species in which affection is being shared ie cuddling a dog, patting a horse, sharing a special bonding moment basically, but there must be physical communication at that moment. If unsure of any of the rules please do ask...

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, show harmony or at least acceptance between one or more human + one or more *non-mammal animal [ but not birds, insects or arachnids ] in the environment they share in that moment. If unsure of any of the rules please do ask via pm. DQs of non-eligible entries will be done at the close of submissions. *For...

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, show harmony or at least acceptance between one or more human and one or more UNTACKED equine in the environment they share in that moment. This means no bridles or saddles, however halters are fine. All equine species are eligible. If unsure of any of the rules please do ask via pm. DQs of non-eligible...

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, show harmony or at least acceptance between one or more human and one or more *typical domestic farm animal species [ NOT including dogs or cats or equines ] in the environment they share in that moment. [*Typical farm animals in geographical terms will vary, so this will be taken into account for...

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, show harmony or at least acceptance between one or more human and one or more domestic variety of CAT in the OUTDOORS environment they share in that moment. If unsure of any of the rules please do ask via pm. DQs of non-eligible entries will be done at the close of submissions.

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, show harmony or at least acceptance between one or more human and one or more pet or feral/street dog in the OUTDOORS environment they share in that moment. If unsure of any of the rules please do ask via pm. DQs of non-eligible entries will be done at the close of submissions.

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, show harmony or at least acceptance between human/s and one or more [ non-human ] MAMMAL of any species considered/classified as wild/exotic in the environment they share in that moment. They can be in the wild or captive but must be of a species NOT generally regarded as a domestic pet/domestic farm animal....

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, show harmony or at least acceptance between human/s and one or more free living wild non-human MAMMAL in the environment they share in that moment. If unsure of any of the rules please do ask via pm. DQs of non-eligible entries will be done at the close of submissions.

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. Feed the birds : Show at least one human feeding one of more birds. The birds can be wild or tame, the feeding does not have to be by hand, [ ie it can be someone scattering food for them ]. Showing a bird feeder being filled is fine too as long as the bird/s are in view at the time. Entries not within theme will be DQ'd...

The series now looks at humans and animals sharing our world. For this challenge, show harmony or at least acceptance between human/s and one or more free living/wild bird in the environment they share in that moment. If unsure of any of the rules please do ask.

This time lets see your best shots of at least one human with at least one animal of any non-human species, [ not including insects or arachnids ], concentrating on colouring and/or textural *similarities*, for instance, an elephant with a human of an age on which wrinkles are part of their appearance, or a brightly coloured bird with a brightly dressed human, or a bearded breed of dog...

This time lets see your best shots pairing at least one animal mammal and at least one bird within shot. Any colours and markings are allowed for this challenge but consider what you are presenting to the voters, make it your best possible quality shot no matter how muted or vibrant the colours may be :)

This time lets see your best shots of any two or more DIFFERENT species of animal MAMMAL in which at least two are completely different colourings OR markings type to each other. This can include one plain and one with spots or stripes or patches, or one spotted and one striped etc, as long as the main colours OR markings differ between at least two of the animals, * visible within shot*. If...

Lets see your best shots of any species of birds of which at least two are completely different colourings to each other. Most commonly if of the same species would mean male and female as one is often differently coloured to the other, or young and adult of which the young has not yet developed adult colouring/plumage, however, same species is not mandatory for this challenge, its different...

Lets see your best shots of any one species of animal MAMMAL in which at least two are completely different colourings to each other. This can include one plain and one with spots or stripes or patches as long as the main colours differ between at least two of the animals, or both patterned but different colours to each other * visible within shot*. If there are three or more in the photo of...

Lets see your best shots of any species of bird whose feathering is three or more distinct colours/shades.whether speckled/patterned throughout individual feathers. *Beaks and feet can be any colour, its the feathering that matters for this challenge. Its not about which bird has the most vibrant colouring, it's about the skill of the photographer capturing the colours and textures no matter...

Lets see your best shots of any species of animal MAMMAL whose natural colouring is three or more distinct colours/shades. This can include spots or stripes or patches, of any THREE OR MORE colours * visible within shot*. Its not about which animal has the most vibrant colouring, it's about the skill of the photographer capturing the colours and textures no matter how subtle or vibrant they may...

Next in the animal colours set, lets see your best shots of any species of bird whose feathering is two tone whether two solid colours or speckled/patterned throughout individual feathers [ other colours/markings are fine but there must be clearly only two feathered colours *within shot*. *Beaks and feet can be any colour, its the feathering that matters for this challenge. If unsure please...

Lets see your best shots of any species of animal MAMMAL whose natural colouring is two tone. This can include spots or stripes or patches, of any TWO colours * visible within shot*. [ There will be a separate challenge for three or more colours on any one animal, please do not enter submissions showing more than two colours per animal mammal in this challenge, they will be DQ'd ! ]. If...

Next in the animal colours set, lets see your best shots of any species of bird whose feathers are predominantly blue [ other colours/markings are fine but there must be clearly more blue than other colours *within shot*, , if the balance is too far from blue predominant I will DQ ;) ]. If unsure please ask ;)

Lets see your best shots of any species of animal MAMMAL whose natural appearance is predominantly blue. This can include Blue Merle, blue slate, blue roan, or a blue-ish tint. Its not the strict species/breeds colour definition but the animals *appearance* in the shot which matters for the challenge and I will be flexible *within reason* as one persons blue might be another persons grey. [...

Next in the animal colours set, lets see your best shots of any species of bird whose feathers are predominantly black [ other colours/markings are fine but there must be clearly more black than other colours *within shot*, , if the balance is too far from black predominant I will DQ ;) ]. If unsure please ask ;)

Lets see your best shots of any species of animal MAMMAL whose natural coat/fur is predominantly black. [ Other colours/markings are fine but there must be clearly more black than other colours *within shot*, if the balance is too far from black predominant I will DQ ;) ]. If unsure please ask.

Next in the animal colours set, lets see your best shots of any species of bird whose feathers are predominantly brown [ other colours/markings are fine but there must be clearly more brown than other colours *within shot*, , if the balance is too far from brown predominant I will DQ ;) ]. If unsure please ask ;)

Lets see your best shots of any species of animal MAMMAL whose natural coat/fur is predominantly brown. This can include light brown/tan/reddish brown, and mottled brown based tones. There are coat colours defined as Red which appear within brown tones so its not the strict definition but the *appearance* which matters for the challenge [ other colours/markings are fine but there must be...

Next in the animal colours set, lets see your best shots of any species of bird whose feathers are predominantly grey [ other colours/markings are fine but there must be clearly more grey than other colours *within shot*, ie a white/mostly grey face but dark body should result in a head portrait entry, if the balance is too far from grey predominant I will DQ ;) ]. If unsure please ask ;)

Lets see your best shots of any species of animal MAMMAL whose natural coat/fur is predominantly grey. This can include blue merle which gives the appearance of mottled grey, also silver stripes/ tones are ok, the range of grey is vast. There are coat colours defined as Blue or Slate which appear within grey tone so its not the strict definition but the *appearance* which matters for the...

Next in the animal colours set, lets see your best shots of any species of bird whose feathers are predominantly white [ other colours/markings are fine but there must be clearly more white than other colours *within shot*, ie a white/mostly white face but dark body should result in a head portrait entry, if the balance is too far from white predominant I will DQ ;) ]. If unsure please ask ;)

Any species of mammal or bird and their reflection, can be on any reflective surface but must clearly be a reflection, not a shadow ;)

White can be notoriously hard to capture without lots of blown highlights, so lets see your best shots of any species of animal MAMMAL whose natural coat/fur is predominantly white [ other colours/markings are fine but there must be clearly more white than other colours *within shot*, ie a white/mostly white face but dark body should result in a head portrait entry, Zebra's and other white...

Many photographers avoid shadow casts, but for this challenge lets see them ! Any species of mammal or bird and their shadow, the more clear and crisp the shadow the better ;)

Any variety of Heron doing anything EXCEPT for feeding.

Any species of goat [ either gender ;) ]

Any species of animal [ including fish ] which has evolved to have multiple external spines for protection, [ NOT just horns or antlers ]. Real animals only, no statues or models.

Any species of bird for which water is their primary habitat [ ie waterfowl, shorebirds, waders, gulls, pelicans etc ] at the moment of take off or landing, one or both feet ideally touching a surface be it ground, water, rock, nest, building, wood etc or at the most be clearly within inches of it to make it obvious a take off or landing was in progress, precision timing is key for this...

Head and neck portraits of any Equine species. Leeway for upper shoulder/withers given to aid composition [ see sample below if unsure ], but if too far from theme you will be asked to crop or submit a more suitable entry. The Equines can be in bridle or halter. [ Real Equines only, no statues/models ].

Birds of Prey at rest, not in flight, and not feeding. [ NO Owls for this one ]

Any NON-mammal animal species of which one or both parents are pictured with one or more of their offspring. They can be in the wild, or in a wildlife reserve/zoo, or domestic/pet. As with the Mammal parent and progeny challenge as some species share parental duties you dont have to sign in blood that each adult is definitely the parent of the [same species ] youngster they may be pictured...

As the title states, silhouettes of birds [ any species ]. S-I-L-H-O-U-E-T-T-E. "From its original graphic meaning, the term "silhouette" has been extended to describe the sight or representation of a person, object or scene that is backlit, and appears dark against a lighter background. Anything that appears this way, for example, a figure standing backlit in a doorway, may be described as...

Any wild animal [ mammal ] species of which one or both parents are pictured with one or more of their offspring. They can be in the wild or in a wildlife reserve/zoo. Some species share parental duties so you dont have to sign in blood that each adult is definitely the parent of the [same species ] youngster they may be pictured with ;)

As the title states, silhouettes of animals, any species of land mammal [ no birds].

Head portraits of dogs.

One or more of any animal/species made famous in Films and Television, ie Lassie = Rough Collie, Skippy = Kangaroo, Trigger/Champion the Wonder Horse = Palomino horse or pony ], Zeus and Apollo from Magnum PI = Doberman ]. You can include the real animals represented in cartoons. Each animal must clearly represent their famous counterpart [ ie Stuart Little = white mouse not a brown one,...

Statues, models / toys/decorations of any species of animal [ including sci-fi/mythical non humanoid creatures ]

One or more of any variety of [ avian ] Robin.

One or more of any species of Lizard, pet or wild

One or more of any species of tortoise or turtle.

One or more of any species of tortoise or turtle.

One or more of any species of rodent.

Extinct species of animals [ including human species ancestry ] whether in Museum displays or home made models / toys etc etc, does not have to be a serious study if you want to inject humour into your photo

One or more species of animal with an Exoskeleton [ shell ], ie mollusks, snails and crustaceans etc but NOT including tortoises or turtles [ Please read all the rules to avoid DQ ]

A fun challenge in which natures gems resemble animals, ie plants, rocks, cloud formations

One or more of any species of Marsupial of any age, can be more than one species of Marsupial in the same photo [ Please read all the rules to avoid DQ ]

Owls in flight or at rest

Domestic pet cats, [ one or more ], indoor or out door

*rules need to be fully read for entry details* Show the cold water aquatic life of ponds / rivers / reservoirs /streams which so many people never notice or just take for granted without really seeing the beauty of it, In the challenge context, aquatics include animals such as frogs / toads / newts / fish / otters / beavers / eel`s / water snakes, or any other creature whose habitat is...

Moths of any species on the move. *It is imperative to read ALL the rules to avoid being DQ`d.*

Show the bond between horse and human, the great Monty Roberts teaches non-abusive methods to attain true mutual trust and respect between horses and people, reflect this in your entries. Equine within this challenge`s context includes horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, of any size and age

Garden birds going about their business

Dogs participating in the hobby/sport of Dog Agility