alanpeterson
FollowA Chinstrap Penguin cares for its chicks on a rookery above Orne Harbor along the Antarctic Peninsula.
A Chinstrap Penguin cares for its chicks on a rookery above Orne Harbor along the Antarctic Peninsula.
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Contest Finalist in Celebrating Nature Photo Contest Vol 4
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alanpeterson
March 05, 2017
I'm using a Nikon D500. I brought a Sigma 120-300mm zoom to use with it on my Antarctica trip.
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Behind The Lens
Location
These Chinstrap Penguins were at the rookery above Orne Harbour on the Antarctic Peninsula. The penguins march up and down a steep, snowy hill between taking shifts on their nests made from pebbles they gather from a rocky ridge.Time
This was taken around 11AM, during that day's morning outing on an Antarctica XXI expedition.Lighting
The photo was taken using only natural light on a partially cloudy day.Equipment
I used a Nikon D500 with a Sigma 120-300mm zoom and a 1.4X teleconverter.Inspiration
One of the things i enjoy the most about wildlife photography and videography is watching animals raise their young. In a harsh environment like Antarctica, it's especially moving to see bird parents work together tirelessly to keep their young safe and well-fed. And, even as far as chicks go, the Chinstrap Penguin young were especially cute.Editing
I made basic color balance and contrast curve adjustments, then cropped the image for composition.In my camera bag
There was a strict weight limit for the flight across Drake's Passage, so I had to pack light for this trip. I took a Nikon D500, Sigma 120-300mm zoom, Tamron 24-70mm zoom, polarizing filter, extra batteries, a Joby sling strap and a dry bag.Feedback
If you get a chance to visit Antarctica, I recommend bringing something like a 100-400mm zoom for wildlife and your favorite landscape lens. Most of the wildlife there is pretty comfortable around people, and the only times I found myself wanting something longer than 400mm is while shooting sea birds skimming for krill. Beyond that, having patience at a spot with a good view of a nest is what will let you get shots like this.