After a lifetime of no interest in photography or birds ( despite being a Veterinary Surgeon in private practice for 34 years), after retiring early 5 1/2 years ago with medical issues I was looking for a hobby to compliment my 4WD travels throughout Australia. Three years ago I bought a Canon 5D III with the thought of undertaking landscape photography, but after visits to Katherine Gorge, Kakadu and Arnhem Land changed to bird photography and purchased a Canon 400mm f/5.6.
I joined Birdlife and Birdlife Photography shortly before the Ingham DPITB, which I attended and a whole new world opened for me.
I now plan my 4WD travel, either solo or with my 4WD club (Idlers Vic), around opportunities to photograph birds. As often as I can, I attend bird photography workshops to try and fast track my skills and knowledge.
I attended the Newcastle DPITB and again this was an enlightening experience. I appreciate the comradeship and help given to me by other Birdlife Photography members, esp those who let me try out their lenses during the weekend, as I was in the market to upgrade my current outfit. Since returning home from Newcastle, with my wife's approval, I have purchased a Canon 600mm f/4 II, and had the opportunity to give its maiden run with 5 days at Inala Bruny Island, and have posted some of these images on the BLP Photo Gallery.
Cheers Andrew