Birds on the Wall

I posted an image on Facebook recently featuring a beautiful big photo of a budgie, which received a lot of favorable attention. I love birds, they feature a lot in our home, and there's something about the drama of a large scale photograph that draws me in every time.

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The photo is the work of talented Sydney photographer, Leila Jeffreys. I've seen her work in numerous publications, and they are all incredible - the colours, the detail, and the beauty of the birds. With a fascinating childhood, living in India, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, Leila spent a lot of time surrounded by animals. Her love of wildlife still remains, and with so many amazing birds in Australia, she has plenty of enchanting models.

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I love how Leila captures the character of the birds through their expression and poses. Some, apparently, are a dream to work with, sitting very still while they listen to Leila - she talks to them throughout the shoot. Budgies can be challenging as they are constantly on the move, and cockatoos are the ultimate show off.

I think my favourite is Neville the Cockatoo - so cute, he makes me smile! Check out
Olsen Irwin Gallery if you're interested in buying any of Leila's work.

We have our own talented artists here in New Zealand. Hawke's Bay photographer,
Brian Culy, has a trio of gorgeous bird photographs.

And Margaret Petchell paints exquisite detail in her large acrylic bird portraits.

Mother nature is remarkable, and these works of art are all brilliant reminders of that.