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May, 2015Views
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Awards
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 22
Creative Winter Award
Legendary Award
Contest Finalist in The Beauty Of Birds Photo Contest
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Contest Finalist in In Flight Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken on the Farne islands off the Northumberland coast in the North East of England.Time
It was about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, I remember crossing to the island on a little tourist boat, the water in between the islands was quite choppy and not that pleasant. The walk to the point where this was taken was also interesting as the Terns on the island were nesting so as you walk past they were taking off and flying down at people.Lighting
I was tempted to use a flash as I the light wasn't great being overcast, but I just went for a large aperture and over exposed slightly.Equipment
The image was taken on a Canon 5d Mark 2 and a Canon 300mm f2.8 prime lens.Inspiration
I was watching the movement of the birds and I noticed that when landing the ones on the ground would put their heads up. I managed to find a spot behind a nesting pair and waited for one to appear on the horizon, I love the way the bird landing looks almost out of control and the others are in the bunker watching!Editing
I applied some very slight contrast and sharpening to the image just to lift it slightly. I was pleased with the in camera result so it really was minimal.In my camera bag
I normally carry 2 bodies, Canon 5d mark 2 & 3. Lenses, depending on what I'm doing will be a deletion of 300mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8, 50mm f1.2, 14mm f2.8 24-105mm f4. I always carry a 1.4x converter, speed light, remote release, cleaning blower and cloth and living in the north west of England a rain cover!! I have a few extras too such as tape, multi tool, small bubble level, extra memory cards and batteries and if I need it a tripod and gorilla pod! It is very dependant on where I'm going and what I hope to capture.Feedback
The Farne islands are beautiful and the puffins are comical birds, unorthodox but beautiful. The fact they are ground dwellers also adds to the appeal. To get a shot like this one it is really important to scope the surroundings, don't just jump on a spot and stay there, you need to watch the birds as quite often you will notice a pattern as they come and go which allows you to select a prim location to get the shot you are after..... And remember, any wildlife photography requires patience!
