Kookie Conversation
To me, it looked like these two Laughing Kookaburras were having an in depth conversation.
To me, it looked like these two Laughing Kookaburras were having an in depth conversation.
Read less
Read less
Aug, 2016Views
493
Likes
Awards
People's Choice in Monochrome Photo Challenge
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
PRO+
JLODonnellPhotography
November 20, 2016
Thank you, Mycozyhome! It was very much a pleasant surprise, I so appreciate it!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on Bribie Island, Queensland, Australia. There is a swampy area that runs behind the football fields that is easy to get to, a popular place for birders on the island to take a walk.Time
It was about 9:00 am. I was walking with a friend, doing some bird watching, when it began to sprinkle. As we were making our way back to the car, we noticed these two Kookaburras, and we started snapping photos. This image is actually one in a series that tell a story about nature. The birds kept looking at each other, then toward a certain spot in a low branch, then back toward each other. Suddenly, one flew toward the branch, and landed. It was evident that he had caught something. I had to move to a different position to see what had attracted the attention of the birds. He had a very large stick bug in his beak. The 'conversation' you see in this image must have been about who was going to have a nice dinner.Lighting
The sky was overcast, though not too dark yet, and it had begun to sprinkle. This made the colours rather dull in the image, and if you look closely you can see the rain drops as they were falling behind the birds. That is why I decided to try it in black and white, which does bring out the details in the image.Equipment
This was taken hand held, with a Canon EOS 600D, 55-250mm lens, no flash.Inspiration
When on any kind of nature walk, I never know what I might run across. I stay alert and prepared for anything of interest along the way - birds, reptiles, butterflies, fungus - anything. I love Kookaburras anyway, they have unique personalities, are not particularly shy, and are really fun to watch. These two were sitting low to the ground, and it was evident that they were in the middle of something important to them. I just wanted to see exactly what that was. One of my favourite things to do with photography is to take series of images to tell a story, and I could see there was going to be a story to tell in this setting. And so there was.Editing
This RAW image was processed in CS6, just very basic adjustments, mostly to bring out highlights and details, slightly cropped, then converted to black and white.In my camera bag
My equipment is very basic. With the 600D, I bought the twin lens kit, 18 - 55mm zoom lens, and 55 - 250mm zoom lens. I carry a cleaning kit, in case water or dust gets on the lens, extra cards and battery, that's about it. I do have a small tripod, but seldom bring it with me. Occasionally I carry my monopod. The odd things I carry, no matter which camera, are a small first aid kit, water, a compression bandage (in case of snake bite), and my mobile phone. Much of my photography is done in the bush, and you never know what you might come across. It's better to be safe than sorry.Feedback
I am a hobbyist, not a pro, so I have little technical advice. My first word of general advice for this kind of shot is simply to be alert and prepared for any kind of wildlife activity. Have camera settings ready for whatever environment you find yourself in (which can change as you walk). Since I shoot hand held, I generally set a large aperture, a fast shutter speed, and then match ISO for proper exposure. (example: f/7.1 - 1/250 sec. - ISO 200) Also, use your ears as much as your eyes, maybe even more so. Most often I hear wildlife before I see it. Go out often. You won't catch a great shot every time, but the more you go, the better you become at spotting what you're looking for, and the more practice you get, the better you become at capturing it when it happens. Always respect the wildlife in their environment, remember you are walking into their domain. That is not only for the well being of the animal (which is important), but also for your own safety. I have studied Australian wildlife, in order to know better what to expect, and how to respond to their activity. It can be dangerous, so don't take these things too lightly. Also, knowing the habitat of the kind of wildlife you seek can be a big help in choosing a location and knowing what to expect to see.
