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catherinethompson

This Is Caring

Pair of tiny wax-eyes perched and preening on a grape vine stem in Winter, Manawatu, New Zealand

Pair of tiny wax-eyes perched and preening on a grape vine stem in Winter, Manawatu, New Zealand
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Canon PowerShot SX60 HS

settings

Aperture f/6.5 ISO 250 Shutter 1/160 Focal Length 247000/1000

upload_date

Aug, 2018

Views

1039

Likes

+85

Awards

People's Choice in a pair in nature Photo Challenge

People's Choice in Love in the animal kingdom Photo Challenge

Peer Award

+34

Absolute Masterpiece

Top Choice

Magnificent Capture

Superb Composition

Outstanding Creativity

Superior Skill

Virtuoso

Emotions

Impressed

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Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo in my garden in the Manawatu, Winter, New Zealand.

Time

This was a cold bleak day in Winter in New Zealand but it didn't stop these wee native wax-eyes from taking the time to look out and care for each other. It was such a beautiful sight and I couldn't help but watch these two preen each other as they perched on a grape stem covering my pergola. I stopped watching when I recofnised what a stunning shot the birds created and quickly ran inside to grab my camera. The resulting shot is so calm and beautiful set against the grey background. The photo was taken on 8 August in Winter at 4.01pm as the light was fading.

Lighting

I lucked out with this shot as the light was fading in late afternoon, 4.01pm in Winter. The softer light highlights the birds and their feathers against the grey background with their white eyes popping out.

Equipment

Canon PowerShot SX60 HS, 1/160 sec. f/6.5 247 mm, ISO250. I was holding the camera in my hands and pointed upwards.

Inspiration

This was one of those lucky moments when you see something so beautiful you just have to get a shot. Walking around my garden I spotted this pair and knew I had to get a photo. Seeing these birds caring for each other in the cold of Winter brings into focus the natural world and all it can teach us about love and sharing. The birds truly look like they love each other, with one snuggled back against it's mate as it gets preened. The other is very intent on the job at hand.

Editing

No post processing with this photo.

In my camera bag

I always carry my camera with me. The Canon Powershot SX60 HS is light and easy to use. I have a monopod attached which I can drop very quickly for easy balance and also provides a handle when required. I also have a spare SIM card and battery at all times. I learned the hard way in my early days of photography when my battery ran out at crucial times or the SIM was full and I missed a great shot.

Feedback

Keep looking around you. Great shots are everywhere. We can't all get into the truly wild, isolated areas and take amazing landscapes or into the jungle to capture that leopard or the majestic lion eating its prey. We have to see what is near us. In the tiny insects and their environment, the flowers and the birds.

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This Is Caring