I am excited to share another piece from 2022 that was shortlisted in the Birds in Flight category of the BirdLife Australia Photography Awards. This photograph, titled “My Pearl,” captures a unique and fleeting moment of interaction between a bird and its environment.
The Story Behind the Shot
While observing a Red Wattlebird drinking and splashing in Newport, Victoria, I was lucky enough to capture a remarkable optical illusion. In the frame, the brightest and largest bokeh appears perfectly superimposed over the bird’s open mouth, resembling a shimmering pearl.
To achieve this shot, I positioned myself approximately 15 meters away, facing a darker background. This choice was deliberate; it allowed the camera to focus more effectively and track the bird’s rapid movements against the high-contrast setting. Although wattlebirds are a common sight in city parks, my goal was to find and share a beautiful moment from an entirely different perspective.
Technical Setup
Capturing the detail of water droplets and bird movement requires high precision:
- Camera: Sony A7R4
- Lens: Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS + 1.4 X teleconverter
- Settings: 424 mm, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 2500
This recognition by BirdLife Australia and sponsor Nikon Australia is a wonderful reminder of the magic that can be found in the everyday world when we take the time to look closely.