It looks as though everyone had a productive year looking for interesting subjects and capturing good images.  It is an important skill to be able to see what will make an effective image and how best to capture it.  The more we do it, the better we become.

However, now is not the time to sit back and be happy with what we have done.  It is important to look for ways to improve our photography.  Looking generally at the images, one area for improvement is to develop a better understanding of light and how to avoid the pitfalls such as hard light and dark shadows.  The quality of light and how it affects your subject can make or break a photo.  Effective light brings out detail, texture, vibrancy and colour.  This is evident in the images I have selected for awards.

Winner:  Little Egret, by Jennifer Carr (Image ID 33950)

When looking through the images, this is the one that really stood out.  Or should I say flew out?  To capture a bird in flight with this level of sharpness and detail is an outstanding achievement.  Although the flight is frozen there is still a clear sense of graceful movement.  I like what appears to me to be a proud and confident look.  The back lighting through the wing span enhances the image.  The vivid blue sky is the icing on the cake.  An image to be proud of.

Highly Commended:  Grey Fantail, by Mary Wheeler (Image ID 33824)

Another impressive image.  I was immediately drawn to it.  Why?  It has an appealing artistic quality.  The colour contrast works very well; the strong colours of the small bird stand out against the beautifully soft background.  The bird is positioned correctly and is framed by the soft crumpled leaves.  The level of detail and sharpness is impressive.  The depth of field is spot on.  A beautiful image.

Commended:  Purple-crowned Lorikeet, by Anna Browne (Image ID 33630)

This is a great example of how the quality of light brings out all the wonderful colours, textures and detail as well as adding life to the eye.  What a beautiful bird.  The colours are gorgeous.  There is great feather detail.  Our subject is effectively isolated against a non-intrusive background which enhances the image.  The way the Lorikeet is delicately balancing on the end of the perch with one leg in the air takes the image to another level.  A superb effort.

Commended:  Eastern Yellow Robin, by Anna Browne  (Image ID 33786)

The character and appeal of this small bird has been well captured.  How cute is this little Robin?  The composition is spot on with just enough of the mound showing and with the subject placed on the right hand side of the frame.  The background is nicely out of focus with its green colour contrasting effectively with the blue and yellow colours of the Robin without being discordant.  The quality of the light again effectively brings out the colours and detail of the bird.  The eye is well lit.  An appealing image.

Commended:  Australian Bustard, by Graham Gill (Image ID 33712)

If this were a beauty competition, this poor bird would probably come last.  However, in a photo competition, it is good to be different.  Ugly can be good.  It works well here.  Taken at the decisive moment, the tight framing and the mouth wide open creates impact.  The narrow colour palette is appropriate.  The image is sharp with good detail.  One that stands out from the crowd.  Well done.