UWOL #9 "Wetland Wonder" by David Gemmell

John Dennis Robertson · June 27th, 2008, 12:06 AM

Top class entry as we have come to expect from you David.Whenever I think I am getting a grasp on this video making thing,I view your video's and know that I have a long way to go....stunning entry and no doubt a top 3 entry

David Gemmell · June 27th, 2008, 09:28 AM

Thanks to all of you for your positive feedback.

I am trying hard with my filming and feel I am starting to improve. What I am enjoying is where UWOL takes you sometimes. On many occasions when UWOL is not on, I might not make the effort to get out there (although I always try and maximize my time with the boys) however, when UWOL comes around, I find myself thinking where I can get some exciting footage. This is leading to some great times filming, and also with the family. I'm sure we are all experiencing the wonderful "add on" benefits of UWOL.

Most people commented on the shot of the Galahs, and it is a nice shot without a doubt however, i just love the opening morning scenes. I also would have loved to have captured the Emus drinking better however, I just couldn't get back far enough with the 120 - 300mm f2.8 Sigma lens. I just love this lens. If I had my standard 20x or even the 6x, it would have made for some nice shots, as they came right by my hide and were backlit beautifully. Without the hide, I would never have got half the shots I got, so I certainly would encourage anyone looking to capture shy wildlife to invest in one.

Peter: My wife made the hide for me using material from Aussie Disposals, which is a chain store here which sells army surplus material and the like. I bought four expandable tent pole thingies, plus green nylon material plus the camouflage stuff plus some green guy rope string. Sue then did the rest.

Thanks once again for all your positive feedback. It's been very nice sitting up the last few nights watching some amazing footage from all over the world!

Marj Atkins · June 27th, 2008, 12:38 PM

I can’t add much more to the accolades already posted. Really beautiful footage as usual David.
You have a very pleasant, quiet voice and should try adding a commentary to your next video. Although I absolutely hate doing a V.O. for my own videos I have to agree that it does result in a more complete story.

Catherine Russell · June 27th, 2008, 09:33 PM

Hi David:

It's Cat,,, again! Now that I have seen a all of the UWOL films, I am able to sit back, relax and soak up the beauty of a selected few (with my husband). We have come back to yours and it is simply so beautiful. Thank you friend, it is such a joy to see this again. You see, we are so compelled to crank through the entries and comment, it is our obligation. But now (as I grow older, HA!) I enjoy basking again in the handful (harder, and harder to pick out these days) that fill my soul. Thank you David.... This was simply beautiful and filled my soul. The only problem I can pick out is that it ends so quickly. Thank you, and UWOL, for entering into my life and blessing it so.

Sincerely,

Cat

David Gemmell · June 27th, 2008, 10:20 PM

Thanks Cat,

It was so lovely to read your last post. Thanks so much for your generous and kind words.

You really are something special Cat - whether it pitching in to support the people in Iowa, solving download/computer problems in Norway, or just supporting your fellow UWOLers, I think we are just so privileged and blessed to have you in our company.

I hope you have a wonderful day, as you have certainly made mine!

Paul Mailath · June 28th, 2008, 06:25 AM

that was great mate! - what a spot, I can see I'm going to have to put some serious time in at the national parks round here - fantastic stuff

Mike Beckett · June 28th, 2008, 11:08 AM

David,

The colours! The colours! That opening shot was beautiful, with the red sunlight lighting up the trees.

I found it unusual to see so few cockatoos. They must all be in the suburbs! In my holidays in NSW I'm regularly woken up by what seems like hundreds of sulphur crested cockies screaing round the houses. Some great close-ups of them too.

You had to get the flamin' galah in too. Wouldn't be an Aussie wildlife film without one!

You used the relfections in the water to great effect, especially with the black winged stilt. The shot of the pair mating was just perfectly framed, and nicely close up too.

There were some great pans there - the avocets at the start, in particular. You got a lot of subtle movement in your scenes, nice gentle pans, and they really add an extra dimension. That's something I need more practice at and probably better equipment too.

Great location (check it out in Google Earth!) - great film.

Oliver Pahlow · June 29th, 2008, 12:25 PM

David,

I have to agree with Mike. What fantastic colors. It is a very lovely film. I liked the synchronized dipping into the water.

Oliver

Ruth Happel · July 7th, 2008, 07:18 PM

Wow, I felt like I was in some amazing virtual reality zoo. I love the opening shot- so ethereal, made me feel as if I was also hearing and feeling the place, it was so vivid. The birds were amazing- the emu was fascinating to see, and the mirrored birds, especially the galahs, were beautiful. I liked the way you commented at the end. Not sure if it could have been made to feel more part of the film- maybe by leading in more with the music rather than the extended gap of silence. But no matter, I liked it, and felt it added, to see you at the end and know how you had captured this amazing place. Thanks so much for your patience, and in sharing your 4 magical days with us.

Trond Saetre · July 9th, 2008, 03:05 AM

Hi David,

You just gave me one more reason to visit Australia.
I loved every single second of your video! It was as if I was there in the hide with you.
(Wish I was)
Very nice birds, and amazing colors!

Thank you very much for sharing.
I look forward to your next videos.

June 28th, 2008, 06:25 AM	#21
Paul Mailath Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central Coast - NSW, Australia Posts: 1,606	that was great mate! - what a spot, I can see I'm going to have to put some serious time in at the national parks round here - fantastic stuff __________________ Cheers - Paul M. www.perbenyik.com

June 28th, 2008, 11:08 AM	#22
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	David, The colours! The colours! That opening shot was beautiful, with the red sunlight lighting up the trees. I found it unusual to see so few cockatoos. They must all be in the suburbs! In my holidays in NSW I'm regularly woken up by what seems like hundreds of sulphur crested cockies screaing round the houses. Some great close-ups of them too. You had to get the flamin' galah in too. Wouldn't be an Aussie wildlife film without one! You used the relfections in the water to great effect, especially with the black winged stilt. The shot of the pair mating was just perfectly framed, and nicely close up too. There were some great pans there - the avocets at the start, in particular. You got a lot of subtle movement in your scenes, nice gentle pans, and they really add an extra dimension. That's something I need more practice at and probably better equipment too. Great location (check it out in Google Earth!) - great film. __________________ Irish Railway Videos on Youtube

July 7th, 2008, 07:18 PM	#24
Ruth Happel Major Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Black Mountain, NC Posts: 488	Wow, I felt like I was in some amazing virtual reality zoo. I love the opening shot- so ethereal, made me feel as if I was also hearing and feeling the place, it was so vivid. The birds were amazing- the emu was fascinating to see, and the mirrored birds, especially the galahs, were beautiful. I liked the way you commented at the end. Not sure if it could have been made to feel more part of the film- maybe by leading in more with the music rather than the extended gap of silence. But no matter, I liked it, and felt it added, to see you at the end and know how you had captured this amazing place. Thanks so much for your patience, and in sharing your 4 magical days with us. __________________ http://rockfowl.com/

June 27th, 2008, 12:06 AM	#16
John Dennis Robertson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Johanesburg South Africa Posts: 217	Top class entry as we have come to expect from you David.Whenever I think I am getting a grasp on this video making thing,I view your video's and know that I have a long way to go....stunning entry and no doubt a top 3 entry

June 27th, 2008, 09:28 AM	#17
David Gemmell Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bendigo, Australia Posts: 234	Thanks to all of you for your positive feedback. I am trying hard with my filming and feel I am starting to improve. What I am enjoying is where UWOL takes you sometimes. On many occasions when UWOL is not on, I might not make the effort to get out there (although I always try and maximize my time with the boys) however, when UWOL comes around, I find myself thinking where I can get some exciting footage. This is leading to some great times filming, and also with the family. I'm sure we are all experiencing the wonderful "add on" benefits of UWOL. Most people commented on the shot of the Galahs, and it is a nice shot without a doubt however, i just love the opening morning scenes. I also would have loved to have captured the Emus drinking better however, I just couldn't get back far enough with the 120 - 300mm f2.8 Sigma lens. I just love this lens. If I had my standard 20x or even the 6x, it would have made for some nice shots, as they came right by my hide and were backlit beautifully. Without the hide, I would never have got half the shots I got, so I certainly would encourage anyone looking to capture shy wildlife to invest in one. Peter: My wife made the hide for me using material from Aussie Disposals, which is a chain store here which sells army surplus material and the like. I bought four expandable tent pole thingies, plus green nylon material plus the camouflage stuff plus some green guy rope string. Sue then did the rest. Thanks once again for all your positive feedback. It's been very nice sitting up the last few nights watching some amazing footage from all over the world!

June 27th, 2008, 12:38 PM	#18
Marj Atkins Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Johannesburg South Africa Posts: 768	I can’t add much more to the accolades already posted. Really beautiful footage as usual David. You have a very pleasant, quiet voice and should try adding a commentary to your next video. Although I absolutely hate doing a V.O. for my own videos I have to agree that it does result in a more complete story.

June 27th, 2008, 09:33 PM	#19
Catherine Russell Trustee Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lyons, Colorado Posts: 1,224	Hi David: It's Cat,,, again! Now that I have seen a all of the UWOL films, I am able to sit back, relax and soak up the beauty of a selected few (with my husband). We have come back to yours and it is simply so beautiful. Thank you friend, it is such a joy to see this again. You see, we are so compelled to crank through the entries and comment, it is our obligation. But now (as I grow older, HA!) I enjoy basking again in the handful (harder, and harder to pick out these days) that fill my soul. Thank you David.... This was simply beautiful and filled my soul. The only problem I can pick out is that it ends so quickly. Thank you, and UWOL, for entering into my life and blessing it so. Sincerely, Cat

June 27th, 2008, 10:20 PM	#20
David Gemmell Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bendigo, Australia Posts: 234	Thanks Cat, It was so lovely to read your last post. Thanks so much for your generous and kind words. You really are something special Cat - whether it pitching in to support the people in Iowa, solving download/computer problems in Norway, or just supporting your fellow UWOLers, I think we are just so privileged and blessed to have you in our company. I hope you have a wonderful day, as you have certainly made mine!

June 29th, 2008, 12:25 PM	#23
Oliver Pahlow Major Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Woodridge Illinois Posts: 237	David, I have to agree with Mike. What fantastic colors. It is a very lovely film. I liked the synchronized dipping into the water. Oliver

July 9th, 2008, 03:05 AM	#25
Trond Saetre Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Bergen, Norway Posts: 3,375	Hi David, You just gave me one more reason to visit Australia. I loved every single second of your video! It was as if I was there in the hide with you. (Wish I was) Very nice birds, and amazing colors! Thank you very much for sharing. I look forward to your next videos.