Hello all,

Just wanted to introduce myself. I've been a member (non-contributing) for a few years on and off. I only realised the other day that I had allowed my my membership to lapse. Corrected again now. I've been a bird photographer since 1998 when I was inspired to take up a long lens by Jack Jeffery (a successful Hawaiian bird photographer) while I was working there. I have worked in government in the conservation field for most of my working life and this has influenced my photography. In the first few years of my bird photography (with a film camera) I was working in North Queensland so was on a steep learning curve- developing great momories if not great photos! I spent seven years in Tasmania researching Tasmanian Masked Owls- so I have lots of owl photos- not many other birds to photograph at night. In the last six years I've lived in Mildura, Vic, where I work with NSW goverment on threatened species, mostly Regent Parrot at the moment. I have a couple of photo websites one where I sell images for printing and framing (mostly landscapes) and the other is more of a self-indulgent place for me to collect my favourite images whether or not anyone else likes them! My bird photos end up there. It also doubles as a backup for my images.

Camera gear- I'm not a fanboy- I've swapped and changed over the years. NIkon (D1H) to Canon (10D, 20D, 40D, 5D, 7D) to Nikon (D810) and then to Panasonic (G9). I currently have a Nikon D810 and a Panasonic G9. Still playing with both. With the Nikon I use a 200-500mm zoom and then with the Panasonic a 100-400 zoom. I'm always looking for lighter and more compact equipment. My days of carrying around a giant 500 f4 are in the past I hope. Often use a tripod and fill flash when the opportunity permits. Am also interested in landscape photography, drone photography, focus stacking and other techniques that aren't necessarily related to bird photography.

I'm planning on contributing a bit more and also learning more from all the experienced bird photographers in Birdlife Photography.

Cheers

Mick Todd

Welcome back Mick. Thanks for introducing yourself and your broad range of interests. I look forward to seeing some of your pictures posted to our galleries.

Cheers, Ian
Competition Moderator