Common Seal

Gallery: WildlifePosted January 21, 2011229 views14 comments

One from 2008, this Common Seal pup had been driven up onto the beach by it's mother, I think she did this to protect it from a very large Grey Seal bull that was patrolling just off shore. Can anyone tell me if this is natural behavior?.

Canon 1Dmk3, 500f4IS+1.4T/c, Wimberley v2

1/640th @ f8 iso400 ( FF with a little off the top and righthand side to aid the comp, also two distracting black area's removed from the FG and BG, catchlight lifted in both eyes )

All C&C's most welcome and thanks for looking.

Andy...

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by wade pettitt on January 21, 2011 at 1:07 PM

Beautiful picture. I love the shallow depth of field isolating the seal pup, and great detail.

Registered on May 6, 2009, 184 Posts, 471 Comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on January 21, 2011 at 2:04 PM

Andy, I think it is natural behavior, though she may have just wanted to go off to feed too. We have notices around here telling folks not to approach lone seal pups, noting that just because they're alone doesn't mean they've been abandoned.

Nice portrait. I can't say I've seen many photos of the pups in your area. Nice warm tones throughout.

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on January 21, 2011 at 2:11 PM

Excellent detail on the larger image and what a look from the pup, great job in getting this.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Rebecka on January 21, 2011 at 2:12 PM

Interesting shot - love the eye contact and the added texture of the sand on the seal's fur. Beautiful details. Bokeh is also lovely.

Registered on February 5, 2009, 170 Posts, 924 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on January 21, 2011 at 2:28 PM

Sharp where it counts - light on the eyes and the adorable/cute factor is ramped way up. I love the detail and all of that sand stuck to the pup - especially around the mouth. Fantastic image.

What lens/camera did you use for this?

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Andy Shepherd on January 21, 2011 at 2:36 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys, and thanks for the info, Max.

Hi Luke,

I used a Canon 1Dmk3 with 500f4IS+1.4T/c attached.

Andy...

Registered on September 24, 2006, 123 Posts, 1254 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Harbour on January 21, 2011 at 2:46 PM

Super shot, great color and light. Very sharp, and a great pose.

Registered on January 4, 2008, 113 Posts, 2416 Comments

Comment posted by Lorna Taylor on January 21, 2011 at 4:05 PM

This is no common seal he is far to darling to be anything but common. Such a beautiful shot ,wonderful detail and so vulnerable all alone there on the beach.. As far as I know this this is normal behavior. My husband worked in seal husbandry, and Grey seal and other male seals have been know to hurt or kill pup's for many reasons sometimes for just being in the way.They are not deeply inclined to protect pups other than their own!But I could be completely off the mark here! Anyway amazing shot and I am glad his mom was able to keep him safe. Great story!

Registered on November 12, 2010, 254 Posts, 3083 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Canuel on January 21, 2011 at 9:54 PM

Cute little guy. Nice texture on the fur. I like the pose, the claws, and the way the BG "grays" out behind the pup.

Registered on September 12, 2010, 53 Posts, 660 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on January 23, 2011 at 2:10 AM

Beautiful job Andy. Like everything about it. Very nice mix of colors in the stones and seal.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Andy Shepherd on January 23, 2011 at 9:55 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys, pleased you like it

Andy...

Registered on September 24, 2006, 123 Posts, 1254 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on January 23, 2011 at 10:12 AM

Me too, Andy!

I think the color of the pebble beach and the sand on his butt really help make this one special.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on January 24, 2011 at 1:04 PM

What a cute little fella. I love the low perspective you got.

Registered on December 19, 2008, 306 Posts, 4840 Comments

Comment posted by Sandra Hendrikse on January 26, 2011 at 5:20 AM

What an adorable portrait, Andy. Great detail and beautiful colours. I like the low point of view and the eye contact very much.

Registered on January 23, 2008, 48 Posts, 769 Comments