This image was taken near Latrabjarg, Iceland. There are 14 miles of cliffs inhabited by at least a million (might be a little high but not by much), Puffins, Common and Thick-Billed Murres, Fulmars. There is constant bird movement just off the cliffs..great place for flight images. These birds were so close, I put away the 300mm lens and started using my 105mm macro.
Most places Puffins do not tolerate humans, because they are on the menu in Iceland but on these cliffs no hunting/netting is allowed.
As I was walking the cliff edge looking for a close-up of a Puffin this guy flew in. They always come back to the same next yearly, so I'm told.
This puffin came in to his nest and I just shot away...he never really seemed fussed, he and I had a great 10 minutes together before he flew back out to get more grass to line the nest with.
D300
105mm 2.8 macro
1/400
f/10
iso-640
A.P.
hand held, small crop
Last edited by Paul Lagasi; 06-18-2010 at 06:02 PM.
Looks like you were pretty constrained wrt shooting position, Paul. Not sure if any option further to the right which may have got more of the earth BG behind the puffin. Some of the reds are clipped ?just sRGB conversion but desaturating them slightly brings back a bit more detail. A slight contrast boost is also an option. Looks like a great spot.
I think you did a great job considering the tough angle. I agree w/ de-saturating the reds a bit and I might tone down some of the whites on the chest. Really nice details Paul.:)
Jackie , my Wife and I liked it so much, we're probably going to go back next year..very low population, lots of open spaces..lots of nature, whale watching, birds, hiking, horseback..etc. Best of all No Biting Bugs or humidity (for me at least).
Very nice portrait, I like the eye contact and sharpness. Interesting also to see the image your wife made of you there. I would lighten the iris a bit.