Tui Snapshot

Posted by Margie (Auckland, New Zealand) on 4 May 2008 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.

I have a new respect for ornithological photographers today. The tui is my favourite NZ bird and I just happened to spot this one in my neighbours tree, having a lovely time in the rain, gorging itself on those berries you can see. I took so many shots! This was the best of the bunch, not nearly as sharp as I would like and it doesn't show off his fabulous white "parson's" collar to advantage but here it is anyway!

I'm a beginner at this photography thing. Any hints, tips, constructive criticism or comments are welcome and appreciated.

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Comments (9)

Observing from Chester, United Kingdom

Blame the bird for not being more cooperative. I think you've done a pretty good job getting this one, it's good !

4 May 2008 4:14am

@Observing: Thanks Mike. I wish I could have got closer but it was raining something fierce!

yiannis krikis from thessaloniki, Greece

I agree with the above comment

4 May 2008 9:37am

@yiannis krikis: Thank you Yiannis

Pied Crow from Nairobi, Kenya

Birds have absolutely no respect for photographers' needs! This one looks very happy, though.

4 May 2008 1:25pm

@Pied Crow: Too true! He was darting all over the place! Thanks for your visit.

Graham Russon from Cape Town, South Africa

A good composition. The bird is slightly out of focus, what you could try is using a sharpen filter in your post processing software. If you have Photoshop CS2 or 3, the smart sharpen would work wonders.

4 May 2008 2:24pm

@Graham Russon: Thanks Graham! I tried it and it did work wonders!

Scotfot from Kabul, Afghanistan

The bird has great colours that contrast with the greenery! Margie, have you thought about selling the house and buying a 600 mm lens and 1.4 converter :-). While I consider this option myself, I've placed a bird table just outside the window and I sit in my armchair 4-5 feet away and snap away!

4 May 2008 4:15pm

@Scotfot: Haha..funny! I love it! Thanks for the suggestion!
:)