Karen Kratz
July 2025 - Gentoo Penguins
Original
About the Image(s)
This is an image I took in Antarctica this past January. There were Gentoo penguin parents and chicks everywhere, but these two caught my eye. The chick only pecked gently at the parent’s beak to get its food, unlike several of the other chicks I saw who were more insistent and aggressive. I wanted to capture the tenderness that I saw in this moment.
The skies were overcast but bright, so I had to reduce highlights significantly, while increasing contrast just a bit.
Sony A1
100-400mm lens at 339mm
f/5.6
1/800
ISO 200
12 comments posted
Karen - Fantastic image! If your goal was to capture the tenderness, I'd say you succeeded completely! I like the crop a lot too. I suspect that it would be difficult to show more of the birds without loosing the intimacy. Posted: 07/13/2025 15:43:32
Thank you Richard - I'm glad my vision came across that way. Posted: 07/13/2025 16:20:30
Hi Karen,
What a lovely moment you've captured! The tight crop really enhances the image and draws the viewer's attention to the tender interaction.
My only suggestion would be to slightly reduce the luminosity of some of the white areas in the background behind the little penguin, as it might help keep the focus on the subjects even more.
Posted: 07/13/2025 20:02:44
What a lovely moment you've captured! The tight crop really enhances the image and draws the viewer's attention to the tender interaction.
My only suggestion would be to slightly reduce the luminosity of some of the white areas in the background behind the little penguin, as it might help keep the focus on the subjects even more.
Posted: 07/13/2025 20:02:44
Thank you Maria. That's a good idea. :) Posted: 07/14/2025 16:53:18
Hi Karen, what a touching and sweet moment between the penguin and the chick. I think the way you cropped the original draws the focus and viewer's attention to the loving facial expressions of these two totally cute creatures.
Posted: 07/14/2025 20:31:14
Posted: 07/14/2025 20:31:14
Thank you Maria. Posted: 07/18/2025 01:10:23
Hey Karen, As others have said you captured the moment and your close composition assures that you are not distracted by a wider view. I also agree regarding the bright areas should be darkened a bit. Overall a top image, well done. Looking to seeing more of your images. Bruce Posted: 07/14/2025 22:44:59
Thank you Bruce. I have put this picture back on my to-do list for reducing the brightness of the background. :) Posted: 07/18/2025 01:11:14
Karen, I pretty much agree with the previous comments. This is my take for the image. Posted: 07/15/2025 17:03:25
Thank you Isaac. Posted: 07/18/2025 01:11:27
Karen - lucky you to visit Antarctica! My wife and I have 2 visits booked - first next year when our round- South America cruise has 3 days 'down there' but staying on the cruise ship - then in 2027 when we do it properly on a small ice-breaker ship.
Your image as taken was always going to be lovely, but your tight crop is a great idea which produces a first class picture. Yes, the background needs toning down a tad, but the detail and clear close relationship mother and chick is delightful. The chic's beak having even at that age having the same colour as mum's helps! Well done. Posted: 07/21/2025 13:47:14
Your image as taken was always going to be lovely, but your tight crop is a great idea which produces a first class picture. Yes, the background needs toning down a tad, but the detail and clear close relationship mother and chick is delightful. The chic's beak having even at that age having the same colour as mum's helps! Well done. Posted: 07/21/2025 13:47:14
Thank you Adrian! Posted: 07/21/2025 15:21:24