Been a poor summer so far, weather a bit iffy and with an apparent lack of consistent runs of fish through the Moray Firth, and a consequent lack of predictable dolphin activity. Yesterday (August 1st) was good though and the bright morning brought a good run of fish, and a dozen dolphins got in about them over a couple of hours. Action was all over the place and it was hard to know where to point the camera. It would all happen too far out and it was converter time, then it was in-your-face and the 500 was too much lens, but I got a few in the frame, and the crowd of visitors were delighted with the display. The full sequence is here if you're interested http://www.john.macpherson.btinternet.co.uk/dolphins51.html
Techy bit:
1DMk2n/500f4IS/Gitzo/1000sec@f8/ISO250
Posted by Alan Bryant on August 2, 2007 at 12:13 PM
No comments ?
I think this is a super shot.The fish in the mouth takes it to that next step.
Another top notch sequence to add to your impressive portfollio.
We've had a lot of porpoise activity outside our house for a week or so now, unfortunately they're out of reach of any telephoto and I refuse to go chase them with the RIB.
Thank you all for the positive feedback. Hopefully there will be a wee bit more action now that there appears to be consistent runs of fish. Interesting John that you've had good activity down your way - reports from friends in Sutherland saying the same. Agree about the not chasing - luckily we have the Dolphin SPACE programme on the Moray Firth which most of the boat operators observe, problem often comes from boating visitors not aware that what they're doing could get them into trouble. Still, I dont know anywhere else that big predators hunt in earnest in such close proximity to up to 60 people without being unduly affected by the people's presence. Quite a special situation.
Posted by Mark Fellowes on August 4, 2007 at 4:37 AM
Hi
This is a fantastic shot - I was reminded of the high tech approach they had to use on Planet Earth to capture great whites attacking seals (effectively a hard drive recorder that continually recorded, so that when you pressed the button it 'started' 10 seconds before that point to ensure that the moment wasn't missed), simply because it was near impossible to get this type of shot. This just illustrates how difficult it must have been to get the shot - well done!
Mark
Posted by Paula Graham on August 9, 2007 at 9:43 AM
Discussion
9 repliesTechy bit:
1DMk2n/500f4IS/Gitzo/1000sec@f8/ISO250
I think this is a super shot.The fish in the mouth takes it to that next step.
not a good summer? pleased to let you know you've got 100x anything i've got so far.
i know how hard this shot would be to get so i fully commend you on it. what a belter.
mark
We've had a lot of porpoise activity outside our house for a week or so now, unfortunately they're out of reach of any telephoto and I refuse to go chase them with the RIB.
This is a fantastic shot - I was reminded of the high tech approach they had to use on Planet Earth to capture great whites attacking seals (effectively a hard drive recorder that continually recorded, so that when you pressed the button it 'started' 10 seconds before that point to ensure that the moment wasn't missed), simply because it was near impossible to get this type of shot. This just illustrates how difficult it must have been to get the shot - well done!
Mark