Cleared for Take Off

[Stu Bowie]

During my recent holiday, I visited Bird island in Lamberts Bay, on the West Coast of South Africa. There is a large breeding colony of Gannets ( 26500 of them ). One is very restricted on capturing ideal shots with regards to the light, and just walking anywhere to capture your shots, as you cannot wander away from the entrance to the hide. I was fortunate to be allowed a few shots 'away' from the normal area, and decided to capture some take off shots at ground level. This Gannet would have been a sub adult, as they are found on the outer ring of the colony. I liked the ground, shells, and dust being kicked up from the momentum of taking off. Taken late afternoon.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300mm F/2.8 +1.4 TC = 420mm
1/2000
F/8.0
ISO 400

Manual exposure.
Hand Held

[Stuart Philpott]

Interesting read Stu and also shot,for all the world I thought landing not take off. As you have already stated not an ideal BKG but the pose of the bird and especially those feet and the dust make this a cool image to view. It seems lovely and sharp to Stu at the viewing level I can see at. He he I also like that raised foot on it's companion so big I can't help but smile. It really adds for me that inclusion very well seen Stu
take care

'erm

Stu

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Stu - I'm glad you got to the Gannet Colony this trip and had some success. Sharpness and colors look good and the low pov is excellent. I think the additional gannet adds to the image. A fun image.

TFS,
Rachel

[William Dickson]

Fab take off pose from this Gannet Stu. Love the colours and the deep blues in the sea in the BG. Lovely FG aswell blending with the rocks. Nice detail on the birds and very 'natural' looking.

Will

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Wow you certainly nailed the focus Stu - well done, super exposure. Not a perfect background but nevertheless a super shot.

[David Salem]

Now I'm late to the party ;) I like the take off pose with the dirt flying behind the bird. Nice and sharp too.
BG mentioned. Nice capture Stu.