Gannet With Incoming Noreaster

[Jim Fenton]

With the nor'easter which has developed from the remnants of Hurricane IDA pushing up the east coast, the seas kicked up and the wind was blowing a straight 30mph out of the northeast this morning...and it pushed what is typically a rather illusive bird here in Massachusetts into the mouth of the Merrimack River to feed.

Very overcast with some filtered sun through some thin spots once in a while. The lighting was poor relative to shutter speed and even at ISO 1250 it was tough to not have motion blur. I got covered with salt spray but I was happy to come out with some decent images for my first capture of this bird.

Nikon D300s, 500VR, TC14EII, ISO 1250, f 6.3, 1/500, CW metering, +1.0 EV

Added a sliver of canvas on the bottom and on the left. Nothing removed.

[Randy Stout]

Jim:

Gannets always look like they are smiling to me. Well captured under trying conditions. Does look like a dreary day. sharp, well exposed, excellent wing span, banking pose.

Now that you have had the D300s for a bit, can you share your thoughts about it compared with D300. I am holding out for the D400, but with the release of the D300s, suspect it will be late next year before there is any chance for it.

Randy

[Jim Fenton]

Thoughts....

Focuses faster, more precisely and tracks better.

When I used to not want to go above ISO 800 (which I used all of the time), I've now upped that to ISO 1250.

My guess is the 400 isn't till later next year (I have no inside knowledge). I sold my D300 before it lost any more value and the tradeup was well worth it to me for what I do.

[Michael Zajac]

Jim, Great looking flight position captured. I like the details in the whites. Nicely done.

[Harshad Barve]

nice pose , beautiful exposure and details here
TFS

[denise ippolito]

Jim, Very nice details inthe whites. I like the pose and the eye contact.

[Kiran Poonacha]

loved the feel here, nice expo, pose and the water BG adds well, congrats..