How low can you go?

I took a lot of flight shots from above, below, alongside and head on, and then took some advice about “different” shots.

These birds are so serene when in flight, but in getting there they bounce off rocks, other birds, and any other obstructions there may be.

Fortunately I was lying behind a rock, but still felt the air from their wings beating.

Have followed your guidelines for PP Danny. Many thanks.

Nikon D300, Nikon 24-85/F4 @ 24 mm/F8. 1/1250, ISO 400, EV 0, FF

Like the sense of action in this photograph Mike, top left bird alittle tight in the frame but apart from that a lovely, well thought out image

I love the environmental take of this species. Well done.

A different perspective Mike. I seem to recall someone once saying they'd had a photographer be hit by a low flying Gannet which hadn't been able to manoeuvre out of the way - I hope you where quick to duck when needed!

Out of interest, did you get more chances at this & if so, did you try using a mid-length tele (100-300) to get a few shots that isolate the bird from it's surroundings a touch more ?

I have several hundred shots of these birds taken with the 24-85, 300/F2.8 and 200-400/F4.
This one just summed up the activity on the colony for me, and brought back a memory of laying on my back in the guano, looking up at these beauties. I have an isolated shot, but don't know whether I can post it or not. Perhaps someone could let me know.

Hi Mike,

As you're a member, you should be able to add another image into this topic - there should be a button underneath the reply box marked 'Choose File' - click on that and you should then be able to add your extra image to your reply .

Seabird colonies are great for guano aren't they - still haven't cleaned all my bags & tripod up from a trip a couple of years back!

What a cracking image Mike - right in amongst them, lovely

As mentioned, pity about the top left bird - more so as it's the most photogenic pose they do imo.

But to be this close must be stunning - nice work

Thanks for the prompt replies fellas. I have posted a couple of gannet pics in my portfolio as well, but is this the kind of thing you meant Nick? I have blurred the BG a bit in CS3.

Something like that, but a lower angle showing rock and ground behind with just a hint of the birds and possibly a bit of the sky.

For what it's worth - out of the two, I prefer the 1st wider angle shot as it's more out of the ordinary.

Mike

Well captured all action shot gives the viewer the impression your in the middle of the colony. Gannets make great subjects.

Nits mentioned. I think this is a good shot which show the amount of birds.

Edwin Kats

Super shot Mike,see what is said about the bird top left but i think you have done very well to capture what you did.Excellent!!!!

Keith.

Very well captured action shots. Guano is great for the garden.

Mike the image just makes me feel that nearest Gannet floting by.
A nice change from the normal Gannet shot.

Major.

He may look serene Major, but getting him into the air was pure pandemonium.

And if it feels as if the viewer is in the middle of the colony, the photographer was. I could have touched that nearest bird.

Sorry Nick, lots more shots like these, but it was hard to find a patch of ground that didn't have gannets

Thanks for all the comments guys.