Northern Gannet in vertical dive

[Arthur Morris]

This image was created on the Monday July 4 UK 2016 Puffins and Gannets IPT afternoon gannet boat add-on with the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens (at 169mm) with the mega mega-pixel Canon EOS 5DS R. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2 stops off the grey sky: 1/2000 sec. at f/4. AWB.

Center AF point/AI Servo/Shutter Button AF as originally framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). The selected AF point was on the leading edge of the top wing just above the bird’s head. Click on the image to see a larger version

Learn how the 5DS R was instrumental in helping me create this image by scrolling down in BAA Bulletin #481 here.

As for the image, please do not be shy. All comments are welcome.

ps: you can see lots more puffin and gannet images on my blog in recent weeks. With lots more coming soon.

pps: join me on this great trip in 2017. Info and BPN discount info here.

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[David Salem]

Wow! This one is great! I love the unique pose with the flared lower wing and the great HA with the open beak and the perfect look at the eye. Nice details throughout.
The high key effect adds to the overall image along with the perfect comp.
Very cool looking frame!

[Arthur Morris]

Wow! This one is great! I love the unique pose with the flared lower wing and the great HA with the open beak and the perfect look at the eye. Nice details throughout.
The high key effect adds to the overall image along with the perfect comp. Very cool looking frame!

Thanks David, Score one for the old man :)

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[Jerry van Dijk]

I love the pose and the eye contact. Great action image! Details, sharpness, etc. as always perfect.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Artie, like the almost monochromatic colour palette here, with just a hint of colour. The vertical wings and HA with open beak, creates a dramatic BIF pose. Certainly with the file size of the 5DS R you will retain truck loads of depth/detail.

Nice one.

TFS
Steve

[arash_hazeghi]

very cool dynamic pose Artie, great exposure too

[Lorant Voros]

Wow, this is unusual with this pose; looks like a cartoon character. I really have to study the image to see what is going on apart from the head on view and the open beak....what is the under part of the bird and so on. You say score one for the old man....the truth is that you remain inspiration for many of us young guys. TFS.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Terrific shot Artie it just demands attention, the pose and the plumage details are really first class.
I was hoping to get some good shots myself on Monday but the trip is cancelled - high winds/rough sea.

[Arthur Morris]

Terrific shot Artie it just demands attention, the pose and the plumage details are really first class.
I was hoping to get some good shots myself on Monday but the trip is cancelled - high winds/rough sea.

Trip to where? Exactly when?

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[Eric Dienesch]

Hello,

a really dynamic image, the open beak and the vertical flight scene looks great and powerfull for me
the only thing that would be looking better, is another background, but that might not be possible here

By the way:
One of the best possibilities for (really easy) shooting northern gannets is on the german island Helgoland, a 200mm lens is good enough for fullframe flight images.

[Jonathan Ashton]

I had a trip booked around Liverpool Bay on Monday but rough water/winds mean it was cancelled. Fortunately I have another trip booked from Bridlington (which I guess is where you sailed from) on July 27

Trip to where? Exactly when?

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[Arthur Morris]

I had a trip booked around Liverpool Bay on Monday but rough water/winds mean it was cancelled. Fortunately I have another trip booked from Bridlington (which I guess is where you sailed from) on July 27

We were at Seahouses. You should join us next year. I can give you a substantial Mods' discount if you are interested. It would make a wonderful holiday for you.

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[Arthur Morris]

[QUOTE=Eric Dienesch;1129821]Hello,

a really dynamic image, the open beak and the vertical flight scene looks great and powerfull for me
the only thing that would be looking better, is another background, but that might not be possible here

By the way:

Thanks Eric. I love the white skies for gannets; sunny days are NG. At times you can get a Bass Rock or a coastline BKGR but those are usually messy unless you get very lucky.

We had folks on the IPT using 24-70mm lenses to photograph single gannets :) You too should consider joining me in 2017. There is a $200 BPN membership discount. See the link in Pane #1.

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[Daniel Cadieux]

Oh boy Artie, talk about a dynamic pose! This simply rocks on all counts, and as a fan of well done high-key images this one fits right in. I can't think of anything to help improve this image. One of my all-time favorites from you!!

[christopher galeski]

very nice capture,love the pose,gret details.like the hint of blue in the BG.TFS.

[William Dickson]

What a fantastic flight pose. Beautiful image, love the colours throughout.

Will

[Joseph Przybyla]

Ditto to all praise of this image. You nailed it. Thank you for sharing, Artie.