I am thrilled to share that my photograph, “Morning mist,” was recognized as a finalist in the Birds in the Landscape category of the 2023 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards. This competition is a prestigious celebration of Australia’s incredible avian life, featuring over 6,000 entries from some of the country’s most talented photographers.
The Story Behind the Shot
This particular image was born from a moment of “pure serendipity” near Bendigo, Victoria. As the sun began its slow ascent, a lone Australasian Darter settled on a tree stump to dry its wings in the early light. I watched and waited, hoping for the elements to align. Just as the morning mist drifted upward into what I felt was the “ideal” position, I captured the scene.
While the original moment was bathed in the warm, golden glow of sunrise, the lack of other vibrant colors in the frame led me to a creative decision: converting the image to black and white. This choice highlights the stark, dramatic silhouettes of the Darter and the surrounding trees, emphasizing the quiet, atmospheric mood of that sunrise.
Technical Details
For those interested in the gear and settings used to capture this “Bird in the Landscape”:
- Camera: Sony Alpha 7R Mk 4
- Lens: Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS + 1.4x teleconverter
- Settings: 505mm, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 160
Being shortlisted among such a high caliber of work is a true honor. A huge thank you to BirdLife Australia, as well as sponsors like Nikon Australia and the Lake Cowal Foundation, for continuing to champion bird conservation through the power of photography.