Cindy Marple  

"Hesitation". by Cindy Marple

August 2026 - "Hesitation".

August 2026 - Cindy Marple

Original

About the Image(s)



For penguins, one of the most perilous times is entering and exiting the ocean. Their chief predators, orcas and seals, lurk in the surf. They tend to stand on the beach and scout the area before finally entering the water- much like Wildebeest queuing up for a river crossing.
These are Yellow-eyed Penguins on Enderby Island, a New Zealand Sub-Antarctic island. They are the rarest penguin in the world and I was quite excited to encounter a small group at the beach, previously I've only seen solitary birds. Our zodiac driver did a great job of getting us close enough to view, but without interfering with their journey.
A side note about photographing this species is that the yellow feathering on the head and face is so diffuse it always looks soft / unsharp.
Nikon Z8, 100-400mm at 400mm, 1/500 f/13 ISO640. I chose a higher f/stop because there were multiple birds.
Processing: Crop, increased exposure and saturation. Denoised in Topaz.

5 comments posted

Butch Mazzuca   Butch Mazzuca
Cindy, Anthropomorphism when photographing wildlife is an interesting phenomena; for whatever reasons we instinctively attribute intentions, emotions, and personalities to what we experience because it makes things more understandable. An "angry sky, a "lazy afternoon," etc. And you could not have chosen a better title. "Hesitation" - if ever a perfect title, this is it.

The story makes this photograph; there is no question in my mind that the subjects are deciding whether to enter the surf. Body language can be so important in wildlife photography and in that sense, your title delivers! If the subjects had been looking straight ahead or into the camera lens this image would lose much of its impact and all of the story.

The image is masterfully composed, (love the kelp foreground) and it's technically spot on; but it's your story that ties the excellent compositional and technical skills you've displayed here, to life. This is a pure winner in my book, nice job.
  Posted: 08/01/2026 21:57:52
Donald Miller   Donald Miller
This image reminds me of a scene in the film "The Sheep Detectives" when two of the sheep reach the road and don't know what it is and don't want to cross.
"What is it?" "It's sure not rocks, I can tell you that."
The cropping was well done. The big rock on the left and the light patch on the upper right, as well as the other penguin, were too much of a distraction from the main subject.   Posted: 08/02/2026 17:09:48
Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
The perfect title! I very much identify with the bird on the right. I feel like I been in this position so many times while outdoors. I want to go forward, but I really do not want to step there. That bird is screwing up its nerve to "do it", and I do understand.

I think images are powerful when they connect with the viewer and I think this makes a powerful connection. The technical aspects are well handled, your crop and camera angle are excellent. This is an excellent image.   Posted: 08/02/2026 19:23:47
David Kepley   David Kepley
Cindy,
What a great trip and a wonderful moment. I agree with the other commenters about the story you have masterfully depicted. I wonder if including the third penguin on the right might enhance the story? I really like the rest of your cropping. Just a thought!   Posted: 08/07/2026 17:59:02
Cindy Marple   Cindy Marple
David, Thanks for your suggestion. One reason I didn't keep that 3rd bird was that it is more hidden behind the kelp than the others. I thought that might be distracting. But I'll give it another try!   Posted: 08/07/2026 22:01:42

 

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