Best of 2011

I know this is a little late but it seems like a really important process in improving ones photography. By reflecting on my achievements over the last year, Im able to look at where Ive improved as a photographer and, more importantly, identify the areas I really need to work on.

1. Spotted harrier with plains mouse, Andado Station on the edge of the Simpson Desert

 

Although this shot would ideally have had the harrier facing towards me, I was pretty stoked with the composition and the angle of the wings. It really tells the story of the gibber plains down on Andado. Most of the time they are incredibly barren and harsh but after good rains the grasses and forbs grow, produce seed and the fauna booms! For me, it demonstrates my improvements in fieldcraft, including being able to stalk wary fauna, hand-holding a long lens reasonably steady and having patience!

2. Salt lake panorama, Newhaven Reserve

 This was one of my first attempts at stitching photos together in photoshop to make a panorama. In the end I used four landscape orientated shots to produce the image. The light at sunset was simply spectacular and although there isn't a standout feature that draws attention, the feeling of space in the full sized image is incredible and is exactly what I was after. One day I'd like a large printout of this image on my wall. 

3. Euro, Heavitree Range above Alice Springs

Ive always loved backlit shots of wildlife and this was my first solid dig at a macropod using this approach. Its flawed because the vegetation at ground level is a little distracting and the body isn't as sharp as I'd like but apart from that I wouldn't change a thing. Also, I now have a monopod so hopefully I'll be a able to gain more depth of field without lumbering around with my full-sized tripod. 

4. Dead barn owl, Todd River south of Alice Springs

This shot is simple and tells a sad story, the unfortunate collateral damage caused by barbed wire fences. I think for shots like this, where the light is nothing special, angle and composition is everything and this is an area where Ive really improved over the last year. I don't usually add vignetting but for this image it helped focus attention on the bird and I think adds to the somberness of the mood. 

5. Sand dune, Andado Station on the edge of the Simpson Desert

Although this is such a cliché, I really couldn't help myself. Simple lines, subtle texture and the red/blue contrast are what makes it work. Its actually really difficult to find bare sand dunes in central Australia and this one on Andado Station is about the best I know of.

6. Great Cormorant, Ormiston Gorge in the West MacDonnell NP

This may not appeal to everyone but you can't deny that Ive captured a very unique pose. This cormorant actually held this position for about a minute and I think the eye contact makes it a very candid, almost comical shot. I also think the lack of colour makes it work, with the yellow on the face really standing out and drawing the viewers attention.

7. Track, Old Andado on the edge of the Simpson Desert

I took this shot handheld but wish I'd taken the time to set it up on the tripod. This place has so many good memories for me and this image helps bring them back. Composition wise, I don't think I could have done much better with the track leading the eye to the swamp in the background.

8. Black-fronted dotterel, 2-mile in the West MacDonnell NP

I love the colours in this one and for me was a good demonstration of what can happen if you sit still enough in an area with abundant wildlife. Patience is not my forte but im getting better!

9. Brown Goshawk, Sudan Station on the Barkly Tableland 

Another good lesson for me in patience as I spent a couple of hours carefully following this goshawk as it hunted doves and finches. I think it really tells the story of the brown goshawk too; a bird that loves to sit in deep cover before bursting out in the open to chase or pounce on unsuspecting birds.

10. Campsite, Old Andado Homestead on the edge of the Simpson Desert

Apart from bringing back fond memories of camping under the stars, this shot really demonstrated to me the high ISO/low noise potential of my 5D mkII. I hope to get creative with some more star shots this winter.

Sumary

2011 was my best year so far for wildlife photography and Im pretty comfortable with where this aspect of my photography is heading. Ive entered quite a few photographs into the 2012 ANZANG competition (http://www.anzang.samuseum.sa.gov.au/) so it will be interesting to see if I get a look in. In order to improve my wildlife photography this year, I feel as though I need to work in one or two locations more often in order to increase the likelihood of nailing exceptional wildlife images with good light and/or spectacular behavior. 

In terms of my landscape photography, 2011 was a real disappointment and there so much room for improvement. Part of the reason was that I tended to focus on wildlife but also I really struggled to find the combination of composition and lighting needed for exceptional landscapes. I have some great locations in mind for winter 2012 so I just need to get out there as much as I can. This year we're also planning a couple of trips outside the centre (Samoa and the Top End) so Im really excited about the prospect of taking photos in some new locations. 

In terms of my inspiration for 2011-2012, there's so many good photographers out there but my favourite photgrapher at the moment is Kah Kit Yoong. He's Australian and although he hasn't been taking photos for all that long, he's portfolio and competition achievements are very amazing. He shoots mostly landscapes but also dabbles in wildlife photography (and has done very well out of it!) and I think he's website is one of the most impressive out there. Check it out http://www.magichourtravelscapes.com/.