MANTID MACRO
PRAYING MANTIS,
unidentified species
Kieran Palmer, Queensland,
aged 17
I caught this close-up portrait of a
praying mantis, which was out enjoying
the buffet of bugs that some recent rain
had brought out.
Muttaburra, Queensland
Canon EOS 50D, EF 100mm
f/2.8L macro IS USM, 1/125, f/16,
ISO 160, flash, handheldJUNIOR (TOP)BIRD BELCH
CAPE BARREN GOOSE,
Cereopsis novaehollandiae
Henry Cook, Queensland
Cape Barren geese spend much of their
time with their heads down, picking at
grasses, grazing like little avian cows.
Occasionally they lift their heads and
silently open their beaks – maybe a
threat display, maybe to let the gas from
fermenting grass in their guts escape.
Maria Island, Tasmania
Nikon D800, 500mm f/4 VR,
1/1250, f/7.1, ISO 200, monopodANIMAL PORTRAITTA P E ST RY
Tim McCullough, South Australia
A pine forest in winter on the South
Island of New Zealand showcases a
stunning, rich tapestry of colour and
texture. With the stark, bare white birch
trees beautifully framed by vibrant red
and orange foliage behind, it reminded
me of a matchstick flame, perfectly
mimicked in nature’s glory.
Arrowtown, New Zealand
Canon 5D Mk II, EF 70–200mm
f/2.8L IS II USM, 90mm, 3, f/18,
ISO 50 tripod with cable remote
INTERPRETIVE (TOP)
THE WHALE SHARK
WHALE SHARK, Rhincodon typus
Scott Portelli, New South Wales
The whale shark is the largest fish on the
planet and spends its time in nutrient-rich
waters filter-feeding on small plankton
and fish. Late afternoon in Cenderawasih
Bay, West Papua, they congregate close to
local fishing platforms, called bagans,
anticipating an easy meal as small fish
escape the fishermen’s nets.
Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua
Canon 5D Mk II, Canon 15mm
fisheye, 1/125, f/9, ISO 320,
2 x 161 Ikelite strobesMONOCHROMEJuly–August 2015 57