Gannets greeting
May, 2019Views
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Awards
9Teen Award
Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Volume 3
Celebrity Award
Peer Award
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This picture was taken on the island of Helgoland in Germany, a breedingplace for gannets and other seabirds.Time
It was taken during the afternoon. I arrived on the island and went straight for the cliffs, the breeding place for the birds. They were very busy building nests and performing mating rituals. The picture shows two birds greeting, the beginning of a mating ritual.Lighting
It was quite a cloudy day wich resulted in diffused, soft light. The rather low light level urged for a high ISO value.Equipment
The shot was taken with a Canon 7D mkII, Sigma 500mm f4 Sport, on a monopod with ambient light.Inspiration
The gannets usually bond for life and often return to the same spot to build a nest. They have an extended number of mating rituals and spent quite some time on courtship. So I was looking for a nice moment that shows the bond and the attention they have for one another.Editing
There was very little post-processing, only contrast, saturation and cropping. Because of the cloudy sky the light was very soft and that suited the colours of the birds.In my camera bag
For wildlife photography I take a Canon 7d mkII, Sigma 500mm f4 sport with extender 1.4, canon EF 70-200mm with extender 1.4, and a monopod.Feedback
If you are looking for seabird photography you will find a lot of opportunities on Helgoland. In early springtime the birds are nesting and are very active. You will be able to take pictures, wide shots, tele shots, close-ups, flying midair, nesting....and not only gannets.
