Rockhoppers
Some of the first penguins I saw on the Falkland Islands on the way to Antarctica
Some of the first penguins I saw on the Falkland Islands on the way to Antarctica
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Jan, 2017Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo on West Point Island - one of the Falkland Islands. I was on my way to Antarctica and this was one of the stopping points along the way. After coming ashore we hiked across fields to the other side of the island where the cliffs were filled with Black-browed albatross; but amongst this colony was a small number of Southern rockhopper penguins having fun in the puddles of water that had collected between tufts of grass.Time
I remember that day so well - it was my first time on "dry" land in 2014. I say "dry", as during the mid-morning of January 2014 it was raining heavy, and the winds were picking up.Lighting
In this instance the lighting didn't worry me too much - it wasn't too bright due to the overcast skies, but just enough light was falling on these slow-moving subjects.Equipment
With my primary camera slung over my back, I hand-held a Sigma 150-500mm lens on my Canon EOS 5D mk2. To help with stability I crouched low to the ground which also helped to get closer to the subject.Inspiration
On this expedition this was the first group of penguins I saw, and of all the species of penguin I saw over the weeks that followed I found this group to be the most playful. Most were jumping in puddles, or from rock to rock, but these two seemed to be taking an interest in what was going on with these new hairless apes that had arrived on their island. They were a little more inquisitive.Editing
No post processing was done on this photo - I try not to with most!In my camera bag
For most trips I will have a Canon EOS 5D mk3 and mk2, a Sigma 150-500mm lens for wildlife shots, a Canon 28-135mm which I'll use for most shots - landscapes, architecture, etc., a Tamron 90mm lens in case there is the opportunity for macro photography, and a SpeedLite 580 EX II. I'll also be carrying spare batteries and cards, a USB charger, a bluetooth adapter so I can remote shoot from my phone, my iPad OR Macbook Pro. I'll also be carrying various filters, cleaning tools, various cables, and depending on the trip I may have a tripod on me - probably the Manfrotto BeFree Carbon.Feedback
In trying to take this sort of shot I'd advise two things: patience, and observation. When you first arrive at your destination, take your time, take in the environment and see what the animals are doing. Then start to look for behaviours that would tell a story, and be patient in waiting for the shot you're after.
