Platypus

Gallery: WildlifePosted September 22, 2013101 views4 comments

I thought I had uploaded this shot yesterday, but it seems to have vanished into the ether so I will try again.

The platypus is arguably the oddest mammal on the planet, and I have wanted to see one for years. A trip to Australia earlier this year gave me the opportunity. They are mainly nocturnal, but are also crepuscular, remaining out at dawn until the first rays of the sun hit the river, at which point they vanish into a burrow. I was therefore operating in low light, and this is the only shot I got that I consider good enough to post on this forum.

Thanks for looking.

David

Nikon D600, 300mm f2.8 Nikon, Gitzo monopod, 800 ISO, 1/50th @ f5.

Comments

4 comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on September 22, 2013 at 2:00 PM

Hi David, I have no idea how the d600 operates, but if it's like most Nikons cranking up the ISO is not an issue and therefore your SS will allow you to capture the image with better IQ. The eye looks sharp which is key, but the rest look a tad soft due to the SS. In this instance, perhaps a bit more central position top & bottom might be better, just feel there is just a little too much FG. Adding some mid tone would help bring out more depth with the water.

TFS
Steve

Registered on March 25, 2007, 189 Posts, 1064 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Teller on September 22, 2013 at 2:11 PM

I have never seen a image of a Platypus on NPN before. I think it would be to capture one no matter what. Nice capture.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on September 22, 2013 at 9:10 PM

Congratulations David for getting this shot

Under the circumstances I think you did very well. You captured the unique beak (bill ?) nicely. It had to be exciting to travel all that way and actually see and photograph one of these elusive creatures. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on September 24, 2013 at 12:09 AM

Amazing to see such an iconic and seldom seen or photographed animal!

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments