Playful
A playful seal jumping in Monterey Bay, California.
A playful seal jumping in Monterey Bay, California.
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Nov, 2016Views
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Awards
Contest Finalist in The Marine Wildlife Photo Contest
Featured
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 10 rank
Top 30 rank week 1
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Top 10 rank
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photograph was taken from the stern of a boat at the end of a whale watching trip out of Monterey, California in November 2016. We were on our way back into the bay when this image was taken as one of a series of rapid fire shots.Time
The time was around noon and the light was a typically harsh mid day strength. The beauty of this shot was that while everyone was looking toward shore and listening to a geography lesson about the Monterey Bay, Aquarium and history, I was looking out the other direction and watching these jumping and diving sea lions. My camera was already set to photograph birds (high speed, higher iso, quick exposure) I just started firing off the shutter as this beauty was doing it's thing. I was the only one who witnessed the show.Lighting
This image is all about recording the moment. The drama is the subject and I was lucky that the sea lion was to the north of me so that the face was fully in sun. Beyond that, it was serendipity and being in the moment.Equipment
This image was shot handheld, using my Nikon D810 and the Tamron 150-600 telephoto lens. That lens is a wonderful workhorse. I am on my second lens, having upgraded from the first version. I do a lot of bird photography so shooting with this pairing handheld is an everyday occurrence (literally).Inspiration
Nature is my muse, from insects, to large mammals, flowers to forests, I love capturing the beauty of nature. Seeing moments like this and being prepared to capture them is important to me. This was luck, but you have to be prepared for that moment when it comes.Editing
Other than contrast and sharpening, this was pretty much a straight out of the camera moment.In my camera bag
For wildlife images I carry nothing but the camera and lens. It's either the telephoto or the Sigma 150mm. I used to carry two cameras, one with each of these lenses during the spring and summer, but geez what a pain. Wildlife photography is rapid fire and in the moment. Changing lenses takes you right out of your zone.Feedback
Preparation and awareness are key to wildlife imagery. knowing where your light is and the behaviors of the intended subjects is key to maximizing your opportunities. Unless you are in a blind or photographing subjects that aren't in fear of humans, you may only get one chance and you won't necessarily see that moment coming beforehand. Patience and readiness are key.
