Kevin's Pixel Bits

I like Galahs, their colours, the way the walk and the clack-clack sounds they make when feeding their babies. i photographed this one on the power lines with the lens at 300mm (480mm in 35mm terms). looked OK so i cropped it, still looked OK so cropped it again. I’m pleased with the result,brings out their nice looks and colour. Which reminds me, I think their politically correct name is now Pink and Grey Cockatoo.

These photos were taken in 1999 using a CANON 35-80mm lens, the most basic lens around. No IS no USM; I replaced it long ago with newer, smarter lenses but it just loves taking photos of flowers so I dust the cobwebs off it every time I want nice flower photos.The first two photos have been scanned with a HP scanner which does a better job than the A$60 scanner that I used for the third photo. I have misplaced that photo or I would have re-scanned it.

I've noticed that one or two of you have taken a look at an earlier photo of Sturt's Desert Pea I showed. They have been my favourite flowers for 56 years, ever since I saw some growing in desert country near Menindee NSW. Much deeper reds and blacker "noses" than others I had seen growing in home gardens; left quite an impression on a 13 year old boy.

These photos were taken in 1998 at Alice Springs Desert Park, where the climate suits them well. You may recognise this first one.

A bonus, heavily cropped, photo of a Crimson Chat also taken at park.

Trying out my new lens which is 112-480mm (35mm equivalent) on this camera. I think we should always quote 35mm equivalent when we talk about focal lengths being used in a photo.This is a father's day and, I think, a Christmas present to myself.

I looked up a few lens tests noticing its few weaker points. They didn't seem to be a problem to someone taking any sort of care. These photos are aimed to be the worst that the lens will do, not the best.

Taken from about 150 metres, handheld at dusk. 480mm, 1/60sec, ISO 800, f5.6. A close look shows catch light in eye.

Eastern Rosella 480mm (cropped a bit), 1/160sec, ISO 800, f5.6

Jonquil taken in a gentle breeze. Wild flower rather than native flower. Taken in the bush with bonus view of kangaroo poo. 112mm, F7.1

Taken at 152mm at dusk. A report suggested that the lens isn't as sharp as much more expensive L series lenses. I don't own Photoshop, but there is more scope for in-camera sharpening if I felt a need for it.

Its Vietnam Vets Day today, I'm a Vietnam Vet. Having a quiet time listening to some relaxing music, watching a slide show of my photos, reflecting on the past. It's been suggested that I think about trying to do a series on Rushworth wild flowers. This one of an Everlasting caught my eye taken at 6mm(36mm equivalent) last spring. Hopefully this season will be a bit better,more rain. Might give it a go with the PowerShot and EOS 450D with 60mm Macro Lens.

I'll have to find a level between strict accuracy and my aim of images with IMPACT.