Nur Ismail Photography

17/10/2026

Some trips stay with you long after you’ve returned home, and Aotearoa Photography Adventure 2016 was definitely one of them, even after 10 years.

New Zealand’s incredible landscapes, dramatic mountains, beautiful lakes, and ever-changing light made every day feel like a new photographic adventure. It was more than just chasing beautiful shots; it was about enjoying the journey, exploring new places, and capturing moments that would otherwise become memories.

Looking back, the photographs bring back not just the scenery, but also the excitement of being there, camera in hand, always looking for the next perfect frame.

Al-Fatihah to the late Ust Azman who left us on the same year.

Aotearoa, you were truly unforgettable. ❤️

https://youtu.be/fFpMOSxENdE?si=7lEIkW1J_JdHXpzk

Aotearoa Photography Adventure 2016 ...

04/10/2026

03/07/2026

In the cool, mist-laden montane forests of Gunung Alab, Sabah, patience was rewarded with an unforgettable encounter with the elusive Bornean Shortwing, my Lifer #554. After searching through moss-covered undergrowth and listening to the sounds of the awakening forest, the shy bird finally emerged, revealing its understated beauty as it moved among roots and leaf litter. For a few magical moments, I was able to observe and photograph this Bornean endemic before it slipped back into the shadows. More than just another addition to my lifer list, the sighting was a reminder that the greatest birding moments often come through perseverance, making this encounter one of the most memorable highlights of my Sabah birding adventure. This was shot using SONY a1II and SEL300F28GM lens.

Name: Bornean shortwing (female)
Scientific: Brachypteryx erythrogyna
Malay: Murai Alis Puteh Family: Muscicapidae
IUCN Red List (V3.1, 2024): Least Concern
SONY a1ll + SEL300F28GM


NurlsmailPhotography sony a1I| ILCE1M2
SEL300F28GM alpha SAG DXO
PureRAWG topazlabs PhotoAl GigapixelAl leofoto pg2s
AlphaForBirding ShootWithAlphaMY
SonyAlphaExperience SonyAlpha
BeAlpha

Copyright © 2026 Nur Ismail Photography. All rights reserved. Do not use or reproduce these images on websites, blogs or publications without expressed written permission from the photographer.

For any enquiries, please email to me at [email protected].
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/ nurismailphotography/

23/06/2026

Half an hour after settling into the hide, we were blessed with the sight of the elusive and cherished Bornean ground cuckoo, my lifer #550. That first glimpse of this remarkable bird is beyond words—an experience filled with wonder and awe. Our hearts overflowed with gratitude to Allah for granting us such a rare and beautiful encounter. Along the way, we also had the pleasure of meeting a new friend at the hide.

Name: Bornean ground cuckoo
Scientific: Carpococcyx radiceus
Malay: Sewah Tanah
Family: Cuculidae
IUCN Red List (v3.1, 2022): Vulnerable
SONY α1II + SEL300F28GM
EXIF: 300mm, f/2.8, 1/125 sec, ISO 6400

ILCE1M2 SEL300F28GM alpha AlphaGuru2026 SAG DXO PureRAW6 topazlabs PhotoAI GigapixelAI leofoto pg2s AlphaUniverseMY AlphaForBirding ShootWithAlphaMY SonyAlphaExperience SonyAlpha BeAlpha

Copyright © 2026 Nur Ismail Photography. All rights reserved. Do not use or reproduce these images on websites, blogs or publications without expressed written permission from the photographer.

For any enquiries, please email to me at [email protected].
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/
nurismailphotography/y

23/06/2026

The SONY a7V paired with the SONY FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS lens performed well under forest cover and in handheld use, delivering reliable autofocus and strong image quality despite challenging, low-light conditions. The camera handled high ISO settings effectively, maintaining detail with controlled noise, while the lens provided sharp results and good subject separation even against busy, layered backgrounds. Stabilization from both the body and lens supported steady handheld shooting, though careful technique remained important at longer focal lengths. Overall, the setup proved capable and dependable for handheld wildlife or nature photography in shaded environments.

Name: Bornean ground cuckoo
Scientific: Carpococcyx radiceus
Malay: Sewah Tanah
Family: Cuculidae
IUCN Red List (v3.1, 2022): Vulnerable
SONY α7V + SEL100400MC
EXIF: 400mm, f/4.5, 1/125 sec, ISO 6400, handheld.

SEL100400MC alpha AlphaGuru2026 SAG DXO PureRAW6 topazlabs PhotoAI GigapixelAI leofoto pg2s AlphaUniverseMY AlphaForBirding ShootWithAlphaMY SonyAlphaExperience SonyAlpha BeAlpha

Copyright © 2026 Nur Ismail Photography. All rights reserved. Do not use or reproduce these images on websites, blogs or publications without expressed written permission from the photographer.

For any enquiries, please email to me at [email protected].
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/nurismailphotography/

13/06/2026

Half an hour after settling into the hide, we were blessed with the sight of the elusive and cherished Bornean ground cuckoo at the Taliwas River Conservation Area, my lifer #550. That first glimpse of this remarkable bird is beyond words—an experience filled with wonder and awe. Our hearts overflowed with gratitude to Allah for granting us such a rare and beautiful encounter. Along the way, we also had the pleasure of meeting a new friend at the hide.

Name: Bornean ground cuckoo
Scientific: Carpococcyx radiceus
Malay: Sewah Tanah
Family: Cuculidae
IUCN Red List (v3.1, 2022): Vulnerable
SONY α1II + SEL300F28GM
EXIF: 300mm, f/2.8, 1/125 sec, ISO 6400

ILCE1M2 SEL300F28GM alpha AlphaGuru2026 SAG DXO PureRAW6 topazlabs PhotoAI GigapixelAI leofoto pg2s AlphaUniverseMY AlphaForBirding ShootWithAlphaMY SonyAlphaExperience SonyAlpha BeAlpha

Copyright © 2026 Nur Ismail Photography. All rights reserved. Do not use or reproduce these images on websites, blogs or publications without expressed written permission from the photographer.

For any enquiries, please email to me at [email protected].
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/nurismailphotography/

08/06/2026

Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok.

20/02/2026

Layan Spanish Latte @ Bean Here BSAS!