I am honored to reflect on a special milestone from 2022, when my photograph “Morning Sauna” was shortlisted in the Birds in the Landscape category of the BirdLife Australia Photography Awards. This category, sponsored by the Lake Cowal Foundation, focuses on capturing birds within the broader context of their natural environment.
The Story Behind the Image
This scene was captured near Bendigo, Victoria, shortly after sunrise. It was a morning of profound peace; the lake was perfectly calm without a breath of wind, and very few birds were active. As the fog began to rise, I was fortunate to witness a Cormorant resting among the layers of dry tree branches.
What drew me to this shot was the “steamy” effect of the rising fog combined with the warm, early morning sunlight. My goal was to share the authentic scene—the soft colors and the tranquil atmosphere that made that morning so memorable.
Technical Setup
To capture the delicate balance of light and mist, I used the following configuration:
- Camera: Sony A7R4
- Lens: Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS + 1.4X teleconverter
- Settings: 433mm, 1/1600 sec, f/8, ISO 100
Being recognized in such a prestigious competition is a wonderful encouragement to continue exploring the therapeutic and contemplative side of nature photography.