Small is Splendid, indeed.  To be honest, there were numerous fine images here that would not have been out of place in the Advanced Level competition.  Technically, in terms of sharpness of focus, accurate exposure, and negligible digital noise, a great many were on a similarly high level, which made my final selections task as difficult, and conflicting, as ever.  But there are of course many other elements that contribute to an image’s appeal or impact, and what my final five do have in common is that they are outstanding in their own, individual ways; my sincere congratulations to each of the respective, talented photographers.

In assessing all of the entries, it was a little disappointing to see so many otherwise-excellent images had been cropped too tightly, either in camera, or more likely in post.  They suffered from needing just a little bit more space, to balance the composition.  Zooming in on a very small bird, essentially making it larger within the final frame, was actually counterproductive in some instances, particularly where in this competition an emphasis is on illustrating just how small yet splendid these subjects are.  Conversely, it was pleasing to see a number of entries that really did use the scale of the bird against the other compositional elements within the frame, very effectively.

Specifically with regard to image format, it was interesting to see some photographers utilizing a square-format composition, and it worked well with a number of the images.  The influence of Instagram?  Maybe.

And so, here they are …

Winner:  Red-browed Finch, by Nalini Scarfe  (Image ID 31333)

Of all my final selections, this image best utilizes different compositional elements to effectively illustrate “Small is Splendid”.  A sense of scale is ably demonstrated with the elongated, diagonal agapanthus stalk being integral to the overall composition, and there exists a nice balance between the finch and the as-yet-unopened flower.  The striking red feathers of the delicate finch contrast against the luminous, iridescent greens, so dominant in this image; such amazing richness in tone and colour!  This bird leaps off the page.  Well, OK, the screen.

Highly commended:  New Holland Honeyeater, by Simon Pelling  (Image ID 31410)

It’s the dynamic, energetic pose, beautifully captured, that really makes this image stand out.  Centrally-composed within the frame, the eye of the honeyeater really draws the viewer in for a closer look.  The sharp bill and spiny leaves compliment each other form-wise, and it doesn’t hurt that the New Holland’s graphic plumage makes it such a damn good-looking bird!  Overall, such a visually-arresting image, one for Simon to be very proud of. 

Commended:  Weebill, by  Bill Harding  (Image ID 31245)

One of several excellent images by Bill.  Sharpness on eye and bill, given how tiny a bird it is, is brilliant!  As Bill notes, the autumnal colours in the background really sets this image off.  There were a great many “straight” portraits in this competition, of a similar high level, but this was my pick of them.  Purely subjective, but this Weebill’s pale blue iris, and the remarkably sharp feather detail on the inquisitively-cocked head, swayed my vote.  This bird has real character! 

Commended:  Restless Flycatcher, by Cameron Vaile  (Image ID 31342)

A fine environmental and behavioural portrait, with the Flycatcher remaining intent on its hunting, and not on what the photographer is doing.  The square-format of the composition works well, and Cameron has wisely given the Flycatcher plenty of space, avoiding the temptation to crop in tight.  There is a delicate lightness about this image, so appropriate for such a bird, with the fanned tail and wings caught in perfect position.  Quite simply, beautiful.

Commended:  Splendid Fairy-wren, by Rudi Poulose  (Image ID 31478)

A remarkably stunning portrait, and the dark background provides great isolation of the subject matter.  There is a ridiculously narrow focal plane in play here (note the significantly-softened rear leg), yet the wren remains razor-sharp in focus from beak to tip of tail.  The extraordinary plumage appears almost hyper-real.  This is an impact shot, of an absolute jewel of a small bird.