Precarious Courtship

[Steve Kaluski]

Perched high on the cliffs, these Gannets perch precariously on the very edge, defending their spots with attitude. These two engaged with their courtship continuously, irrespective of each of them occasionally slipping off and then flying back in to resume their bond.

For those who may go to this location, the vegetation was getting high and all the old spots have been fenced off so vantage points were/are getting limited, very frustrating as you can hear them right on the edge.

Thanks to those who viewed or commented on the previous posting.

Steve

Subject: Gannet (Morus bassanus)
Location: UK
Camera: Canon 1DX MKII
Lens: 500f/4 with 2x MKIII HH
Exposure: 1/2500s at f/11 ISO500
Original format: Portrait, slight crop from top, almost FF on width
Processed via: LRCC & PSCC2017

[John Mack]

I like the interaction between the gannets, the cliffs are nice as well.

[Alex Becker]

Cool behavior Steve, nice exposure, and a sweet setting. Funny you mentioned them slipping off during the routine because as soon as I saw the ones foot half off the ledge I was wondering how the heck they don't fall off . I like the shadow as well. f/11 was a good call, especially given such a low ISO. TFS

[Steve Kaluski]

Thanks guys.

f/11 was a good call, especially given such a low ISO.

Hi Alex, not sure what you mean here, could you clarify please as the SS was fair enough, cheers.

[Alex Becker]

Hi Alex, not sure what you mean here, could you clarify please as the SS was fair enough, cheers.

Hey Steve, sorry that wasn't very clear, must've been a long day -- I was just commenting that the DOF worked well to get both birds in focus and no reason not to given the low ISO, although that camera can certainly take whatever you throw it. I often feel like when I have a lot of light I push SS but kind of blank of pushing the f-stop as well.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Alex, I'm now going for more f-stop now if light conditions allow. But even yesterday when light was oh so variable f/11 wasn't enough to get the beak all sharp, but it all depend on what you want, how far the subject was/is etc. Remember I had the 2x on as well because the subject were a distance away too!!!

[Gabriela Plesea]

Awesome frame Steve,

Superb composition and colours, wonderful BG.

Love the interaction between the two Gannets, well seen and captured.

Super techs and PP work as always

Thank you so much for sharing,