Cindy - as photographers and artists I think we're always look for that money shot and you certainly arrived at the right scene - I've never been to Antarctica but if I ever had the opportunity, you could bet this is shot I'd be looking for. As I've written in my other reviews, wildlife is always about the story and this image nailed it. And having lived in the Colorado mountains for 20 plus years before moving to Tucson, I'm fully aware of the challenges of photographing snow. And for the most part I think you did a credible job especially with the ice flow that serves as your subjects' diving board.

As I'm sure you're away, the image is replete with distractions that continually grab the viewer's eye pulling it from the subjects. I don't know the protocols or logistics of such a trip, but I suspect it's not always easy to have a Zodiac driver maneuver the boat for optimal photography and my guess is this was the best perspective at the moment, and I'm happy for you that you were able to take advantage of it.

Nonetheless, capturing three Adélie penguins in a row in various stages of their respective leaps is special - kudos on capturing the moment.
  Posted: 04/01/2026 15:30:57

Cindy,
I love your antarctica shots! I gotta there!!
You caught the action just right, with one splash and 3 penguins about to take the plunge! Given the situation you managed the problem of the penguins mergin very well. You nailed the exposure of the snow and the black penguins! I think your crop is spot on. No suggestions for improving an excellent image,   Posted: 04/02/2026 18:33:39

The composition is effective and the "march to the sea" is certainly a classic penguin image but for me, aside from your technical skills, it is the colors and the sharpness that make this image impressive. This image feels like Antarctica and I'm cold. The blues of the sea and the whites of the ice contrast well and are the two colors that most strongly demonstrate cold. This sharpness of the penguins also works well with these colors and imparts a feeling of "crisp" cold. The background may be a bit busy but this is still a powerful image.   Posted: 04/02/2026 19:21:17

Hi Cindy,
The magic of this image is in its storytelling: one penguin launching off the ice, another is already in the water while the others are in line adding a sense of anticipation and narrative value. The composition is also very good, with the diagonal line of the iceberg leading the eye to the action. To make the image even stronger you might consider a tighter crop to emphasize the action of the jumping penguins.   Posted: 04/07/2026 00:17:25