Jim Overfield
April 2026 - Northern Gannet
About the Image(s)
The northern gannet is the large white seabird with a yellowish head and black wingtips, renowned for its spectacular high-speed diving to catch fish. The bird is famous for the plunge-diving technique of up to 60 mph to catch fish. They have air sacs in their chest and face to cushion the impact.
I hiked up Bonaventure Island located in Perci, Quebec Canada to reach a the largest Northern Gannet colony in the world. There is chromatic aberration caused by the contrast in the area of the head and leading edge of the wing which I could not eliminate using LrC tools. Any recommendations to remove would be helpful.
Hand held full frame body with 70-200mm with 2x extender, 1/1000 sec; f/6.3, ISO 320.
8 comments posted
Jim, you did a great job in freezing the action and maintaining extreme sharpness. Since it is alway about eyes you certainly nailed this one. Outstanding image that most never see. I was lucky enough to see the Norther Gannets in action from the bow of a cruise ship somewhere between Cuba and Florida. They love the bow wave of the ship and like you said dive at a terrific speed and grab smaller fish. Unfortunately I didn't quite have a long enough lens with me. Super image! Posted: 04/08/2026 15:38:14
Jim
The Northern Gannet is a magnificent sea-hunter and your photo is ideal. You controlled the exposure perfectly showing both the highlights and shadows. Posted: 04/09/2026 12:29:30
The Northern Gannet is a magnificent sea-hunter and your photo is ideal. You controlled the exposure perfectly showing both the highlights and shadows. Posted: 04/09/2026 12:29:30
The bird itself is beautiful and sharp. I think it would have been better to catch it before it was past so you could give it more room in front instead of behind. Posted: 04/09/2026 13:01:28
I love gannets and you did a great job capturing one in flight. I have to agree with Michael about the cropping. More sky on right, and perhaps less on left. Play with it and see what you think. Posted: 04/09/2026 16:21:46
Jim, hope you don't mind but I took the liberty to add a little sky to the right and a tiny bit to the top. What does everyone think? Posted: 04/09/2026 17:34:51
definitely more in front is needed, and I like more on top also. Posted: 04/10/2026 15:30:41
A stunning photograph with magnificent clarity, movement, and color. I really liked it. Congratulations! Posted: 04/13/2026 17:29:19
A good depiction of the gannet in flight. I know it can sometimes be difficult to catch a bird that is flying overhead, and you have done well in this. Your settings have also made a good job in keeping a fine degree of separation in the white areas. Posted: 04/16/2026 10:15:38