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Thread: An Aussie Icon

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    Default An Aussie Icon

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    Almost too embarrassed to post this one, a common Aussie bird and one I wont generally go out of my way to photograph, as they are too easy much of the time. I much prefer to go hunting afield for more elusive and less common birds.....ih.....that's my trip in life

    However I guess the overseas folks on here wouldn't see too many, so I'll post it up.

    A member of the Kingfisher family, the Laughing Kookaburra, a common and distinctive sound in the Aussie bush or outer suburbia...{ Trivia ....also used for bird sounds in Tarzan movies years ago } This one was in nice light and like the oof Wattle flowers/leaves as a backdrop, so I took the shot, but to be honest I would normally bypass this bird without a second thought.


    Canon 7D + 500 f4.....f5, 1/400, ISO 200, no flash, tripod mounted....basic edit, slight crop, selective sharpen



    Last edited by Peter Kes; 12-21-2012 at 09:20 AM.

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    Forum Participant John Cooper's Avatar
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    Nothing wrong with our famous Kookaburra Phil - a very handsome looking kingfisher
    I like the pose you've captured here and a very nice head-turn, sharp and well exposed.
    The only sugestion I could make would be to crop from the side so that the subject is less centered in the frame.

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    Lifetime Member gail bisson's Avatar
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    I love kookaburras! I have wondered why you hadn't posted any images of this iconic aussie bird.
    For us North Americans this bird is a gem!
    Nice image.
    I agree with John's comments re: crop.
    Good IQ and feather details.
    Would love to see a shot with his back to us and the classic lookback pose. Any of those in your file?
    Gail

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    Forum Participant Joe Senzatimore's Avatar
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    Only here in zoos. Nice subject. Fine detail captured. Might take a bit off the right side.

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    I love it! I prefer a common bird artistically photographed than a poor image of a rarity. Tweak the comp as suggested and then enjoy it.

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    BPN Member Bill Dix's Avatar
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    Glad you posted him. A fine shot of this icon. Another vote for a little off the right.

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    BPN Member dankearl's Avatar
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    A new bird for me and a funny looking one at that.
    I agree about the crop, but would also think a bit more above the bird would look nice.
    Dan Kearl

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    BPN Member Alan Murphy's Avatar
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    Nice pose and BG. Wish the bird was placed more right in the frame and more room for the virtual tail.

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    Crop mentioned. Very nice capture!

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    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    I like this shot too, a fine looking bird, my only suggestion is the same - a little off the RHS.

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    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Grace Scalzo View Post
    I love it! I prefer a common bird artistically photographed than a poor image of a rarity.
    My take and philosophy exactly! Wonderful image overall...pointing your lens more to the left would have been advantageous. Love the BG and vegetation.

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    agree with comp. suggestions from the fine folks above.

    Feel free to post shots of common birds from your area. We love common birds here....from any area. I liekd the head turn and BG.

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    Thanks for looking, I do have lots of pix of these, deleted most, I find them a bit boring to photograph, I'm more into trying to capture the myriad of of species that exist totally wild and adding to my life list rather that using setups and pursuing local birds, I just prefer variety than perfect quality, but yes both is desirable, but I love the challenge of doing it the hard way lol lol......I get bored easily lol lol
    Last edited by PhilCook; 12-21-2012 at 07:13 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by gail bisson View Post
    I love kookaburras! I have wondered why you hadn't posted any images of this iconic aussie bird.
    For us North Americans this bird is a gem!
    Nice image.
    I agree with John's comments re: crop.
    Good IQ and feather details.
    Would love to see a shot with his back to us and the classic lookback pose. Any of those in your file?
    Gail

    taa Gail, not sure what I have in my files, I'll have a look sometime, but I really dont generally bother with Kooka shots

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    Love the species, and a good photo is a good photo. For me - a bit off the right and more room at bottom for virtual tail.

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    Phil:
    Beautiful image of beautiful bird.I like the cool looking king fisher with nice head turn,nice details and BG.

    Regards,
    Satish.

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    Nice portrait of a famous bird, Phil.

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    Agree it's cropped a little tight at the bottom but very nice photo of a very interesting bird.

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    Great looking bird and what a massive beak he has! I saw this bird and hear its call on a YT video. Light is good, but the perch is dominant. I still like this one a lot.

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    Lifetime Member David Salem's Avatar
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    Cant believe no one asked if he is sitting in an old gum tree:) Great shot of a unique bird for us. Take care and stay cool.

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    Thanks again....and David.....he's sitting in a Wattle Tree, I guess nobody told him about Gum trees being the norm ....thanks hehehe

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