Helgoland is the only German high-sea island in the North Sea. Here live several thousand birds on the red rock. The flight distance of the birds is small, so that photos are possible even with short telephoto lenses. My photo shows two gannets watching each other. As a proof of origin, I have attached two other photos that show how close you can get to the gannets without them taking flight. The island is very popular with bird photographers because there are good opportunities to photograph birds without long telephoto lenses.
With this photo I have already won HM certificates and medals at international exhibitions in the field of nature.
Shot with EOS 5D MKIII, EF 70-200mm f2,8L IS II lens at 200mm. The settings were f:8, ISO 400, at 1/ 1000 sec.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 7 comments posted
Roy Lockwood
I am not surprised that this picture has won awards. It has emotion, focus, whites that are not blown out, color balance, and geometric form. Posted: 09/02/2023 16:22:08
Kathleen Sewell
A perfect example of less is more. The complementary colors are striking. The gannets round eyes as they gaze upward look like iridescent shells! The soft light and shadows on the birds add a feeling of depth. Stunning! Posted: 09/03/2023 18:20:35
Kathie Thomas
This is a beautiful shot. I would love to see Gannets. Well done on your awards too. Posted: 09/04/2023 04:42:58
Jim Overfield
(Groups 9 & 21)
Great composition of these two birds and the birds colors against the blue sky are striking. Exposure settings to capture detail throughout, especially in the feather highlights, is spot on. Very nice image. Posted: 09/04/2023 05:12:33
Sylvia Williams
(Groups 9 & 20)
Beautiful photo!
I think I'd hang out on the island as often as possible.
Thank you for sharing the other two photos.
Posted: 09/05/2023 07:07:56
Tom Buckard
(Groups 21 & 48 & 71)
Absolutely a gorgeous image. The two Gannets really pop agains the blue ocean. Taken at the peak of action and the lighting certainly accentuates the story. A quick story. My wife and I were on a Cruise in the Southern Carribean in the middle of the ocean and I was itching to do some photography. I put on a telephoto and walked as far forward on the ship as I could get and was amazed. Off the bow of the ship there were boobys and gannets flying high then diving for flying fish being disturbed by the bow wave. Shot over a hundred images. Posted: 09/18/2023 16:58:14
Julia Parrish
This is a beautiful image - the complimentary colors of blue and yellow just sets it off along with the composition. I am not surprised it has won awards - it is just striking! Well done. Posted: 09/24/2023 16:27:36
