Brushtail possum and baby #image

Brushtail possum_0954
Originally uploaded by gtveloce

In case you don't get why they are called brushtails, check these tails out...

Local Aussie orb weaving spider - Nephila #image

Nephila_0959a
Originally uploaded by gtveloce

Just another pic of my local orb weaver. This local Nephila spider catches flying insects up to cicada size in a massive, complex master web. The web is strong enough to stop an unaware human in their tracks and make them back out real fast. Not that they'd actually hurt a large mammal like us - but a small bird could find itself in trouble.

Rainbow lorikeet at close range #image

Lorikeet_0939
Originally uploaded by gtveloce

Get close, focus manually and click. Autofocus works most of the time but manual focus gives you more control over exactly what you are focusing on... especially so when there is clutter around, or your object is moving... or could move. But always get as close as you can.

King parrot in flight...

King parrot_0830a
Originally uploaded by gtveloce

Finally I got the (manual) focus right - or very close! This male King parrot is coming in closer for a feed and (at last) I have got the focus and shutter speeds right(ish). With some help from a small flash to capture the action....

Hint: autofocus is useless with moving objects at close range. Instead set your focus at a fixed point and wait until the action reaches that spot. Then time your 'click' for that instant. (Yes, it can be frustrating but hey, digital 'film' is cheap, or is that 'cheep'?