This image was captured recently on Skomer Island nature reserve
Jul, 2018Views
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Awards
Action Award
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 22
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
Legendary Award
Community Choice Award
Brilliant
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Superior Skill
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Behind The Lens
Location
"This photograph was taken whilst on a trip to the beautiful Island of Skomer off the coast of South Pembrokeshire. Skomer Island is a popular destination for many Atlantic Puffins and their breeding program is second to none. These beautiful birds certainly have unique characteristics and they are just beautiful to watch. This little face caught my eye, simply watching the world go by.Time
I can not remember the exact time, what I do know it was early afternoon.Lighting
The sun had just appeared after a little lite rain fall. The Puffin was sitting in the right place although the light was casting a shadow.Equipment
I use a Nikon D750 every time with a 24-70mm lens attached. I was fortunate that you can get up close to these amazing birds so there was no need for a longer lens.Inspiration
"I am a photography tutor in local primary schools and during the sessions we get to cover The John Muir Award. This award helps educate children and their parents in the importance of Discovery, Exploration, Conservation and it is designed to share our findings. Whilst teaching the children how to take photographs of these amazing characters, I couldn't help take my own photo to share with the group and show them what they can achieve with regard to composition and lighting. The Atlantic Puffin is inspirational in itself, the journey they make to the island and how they live in the colony.Editing
I shoot RAW so minimal post processing is made in this particular image except for a basic colour pop. The DOF was made in camera.In my camera bag
I always carry two cameras with different lenses attached. For trips like this I usually take with me a Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 and the Nikon 24-70mm 2.8. There is always a 50mm in my bag and I generally have a few ND filters for shooting landscapes. And a tripodFeedback
My advise for others trying to capture similar is you require time and patience, lots of patience because at the end of the day these are animals and have an unpredictability to them. Ahead of planning your trip, make sure that you read up about camera settings as when they are flying they are super fast. Also do not limit yourself to using only one lens. There will be opportunities to capture birds from a distance and having a zoom lens will help. Saying this these little birds will walk past you to get to their nest so you need to acclimatise yourself with their actions. And enjoy the moment. Stop taking photographs for a few minutes and just observe them.
