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Puffin

Atlantic Puffin amongst sea thrift on Skomer Island

Atlantic Puffin amongst sea thrift on Skomer Island
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NIKON D610

settings

Aperture f/4.5 ISO 160 Shutter 1/1600 Focal Length 5000/10

upload_date

Jan, 2016

Views

Likes

+18

Awards

Member Selection Award

Spring Selection Award

Superb Composition

Absolute Masterpiece

Peer Award

Top Choice

Outstanding Creativity

Magnificent Capture

Top Ranks

Top 30 rank week 1

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Top 30 rank week 2

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Behind The Lens

Location

This image was taken on a university trip to Skomer Island which is off the Pembrokeshire coast. As a wildlife photographer, this island is jam packed full of photography opportunities.

Time

It was early in the afternoon when I ventured down to this particular spot on Skomer. After walking from end to end of the island all morning, I stopped on a ledge overlooking the vast ocean, when to my left, a group of Puffins came into land from being out to sea. This particular bird was atop of the cliff surveying his surroundings whilst soaking in the sun.

Lighting

As it was early afternoon, the sunlight was quite harsh but rather than think of it as a negative aspect, I decided to use it to highlight the dark blue of the sea behind the bird who's bright white breast was the perfect contrast against the almost sapphire waves.

Equipment

For this image I used a Nikon D610 with a 500mm f4.0. I was able to keep my distance so this bird was at ease with my presence whilst blurring the foreground and background.

Inspiration

When you're on Skomer Island, you are surrounded by Puffins so the challenge is to try and create images which are different. I loved the various colours of this image with the striking blue, pastel pinks, the bold whites and the dark blacks. I wanted to have an image which showcased a puffin but also its environment and I feel this one does so.

Editing

This image only has minimal processing, with a portrait crop and a lightening of the shadows.

In my camera bag

Being a university student, big lenses are out of my price league but when I'm on the hunt for wildlife to photograph I always have my nikon 70-300mm f5.6 on my Nikon D610 body.

Feedback

Go to Skomer! It is one of the most magical places in the British Isles and a place where you feel completely surrounded by nature, which in these days, is sometimes a challenge. You are surrounded by Puffins and there is a constant array of wildlife making appearences. Use low angles to get a different perspective, I always lie on the floor when photographing Puffins and don't be afraid to be different.

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kwildlife

kwildlife

Puffin

Atlantic Puffin amongst sea thrift on Skomer Island

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow kwildlife

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