Fulmar Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

Fulmar, Isle of Staffa.

From the top of the steep sea cliffs on the small Isle of Staffa, we enjoyed an impressive flying display from these elegant seabirds, who passed by sometimes almost within touching distance as they rode the thermals along the cliff edge.
Despite initial impressions, the fulmar isn't a seagull, in fact it's a close relative of the albatross. Like the albatross, it flies effortlessly on rigid wings, only flapping occasionly when additional lift is required. Together with it's thick-necked more powerful appearance, another difference with seagulls are the tubed nostrils atop the stubby beak, clearly visible in this photograph.
They weren't the easiest of birds to photograph, and I tried a lot of panning shots to try and capture them as they glided past. This was one of the few sharp ones.

Budapestman, indoka28, Floydian, eza1701, riclopes, dougie, Cretense, Wanda1 trouve(nt) cette note utile

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indoka28 (5187) 2007-05-14 6:32

Hello Ben,

Great shot of the flying fulmar..very well captured with amazing clarity and very very nice colours.>!!I love the way you have placed the bird in the frame..great shot..!!

Regards,

Indro

Floydian (30970) 2007-05-14 6:51

Hi Ben,
Yes panning is difficult, and even more difficult on wildlife or other objects that don't follow a straight path.
Light is a bit harsh on his belly, you loose some detail in there. But the ray of light on his head really strikes me. The blue of the water has even some movement, although it's hard to see, it's there.
Good shot, nice framing also.
Have a nice day, Henk

eza1701 (3343) 2007-05-14 6:54

Hi Ben,

Nice shot and a wonderful blue background. Having photographed birds myself a few times, I know how difficult a subject they are and how many shots you go through for just a few that are ok.

Best regards,
Paul.

riclopes (33055) 2007-05-14 13:17

Yes, I remember taking a lot of bad shots of seagulls flying around me until I get one that was ok. This is pretty sharp indeed and with a beautiful lighting on the sides. Perfect placement of the 'like an albatross' bird. Simple and effective. Excellent shot, Ben.
Cheers,
Ricardo

sadeik (3159) 2007-05-14 15:54

Very nice shot, I tried doing the same with a basic digital and failed disasterously.
Lots of space to fly into and great use of the DOF.
Bloody bird reminds me of the ones on the Old Man of Storr near Handa Island, we climbed that one at the wrong time of year and every bird we went past puked oily regurgated fish into our faces, that stinks and doesn't go away even after some serious scrubbing

Simon

dougie (2920) 2007-05-14 21:12

Hi,
Yes, you caught a good one there. They are amazingly accomplished fliers indeed and so difficult to capture in flight. I like the overall sharpness of the outline and the almost transparent wingtip areas. The sea is a fantastic colour. Thanks.
Dougie.

Cretense (56580) 2007-05-15 6:24

Hi Ben!

Great timing, great framing, perfect focus and depth of field! Simple but very effective compostion, the bird has room to "move"! Congratulations!

Cheers, Hercules

Wanda1 (11011) 2007-05-15 10:14

Hi Ben,
A nice in flight moment that you have captured. Great sharpness and good composition where he is flying into the frame.
Regards
Wanda

Budapestman (42382) 2007-05-16 4:06