Puffin head shot

I realise this is a bit tight in the frame, it was taken a few years ago when I was obsessed with getting right in close with my new telephoto lens We've all been there haven't we? oh, ok, just me then

This is a square crop from a landscape format image, I cropped just a little from the bottom as the fish tails were missing anyway, to concentrate on the face more.
Top and right are as shot.

Taken on Skomer Island in West Wales, UK with my old 6 Mp Minolta DSLR.

Minolta Dynax 7D
Sigma 50-500 EX
1/800th sec
f6.3
ISO 200
500mm
-0.7 stop exposure compensation
Centre-weighted metering
Hand held

Great detail in the shot. The beak and sand eels are the main focus in this one and I don't have a problem with that, depends on what you intend to portray (though I expect some may prefer the Puffins eye to be more in focus).

I'm afraid I do still like close as possible shots, In fact I bemoan the fact that I can't get as close as I want to very often. I like this shot, but it does show up the difficulties regarding depth of field when you are up close and personal. I reckon you've made a really good job of this Graham. The detail is tremendous and I find it fascinating - you can even see the marks on the eels where the bird has repositioned them in its bill. I think that focussing on the bill/fish rather than the eye was a good choice for this shot as well. Thumbs up from me.
eric
I've always wonderd how they catch more fish when the bill is already closed on the first one without letting it go - anybody know?

Geoffrey

This image is so powerful and the detail is great. I fail to see any problem with the close in shots and of this exceptional quality. This also highlights the difference between USA and the UK schools US close in seems to be the predominant totally accepted format. Where as on this forum time and again it seems to be the contrary. From the views expressed no doubt they reflect individual taste. I'm all for "MIX and PIck" why not.

I just love seeing the feather detail and scales of the fish....yes, call me old fashioned but that is a stonker.

I love it Geoffrey - all the right bits are sharp!

David

Nice to see a beak full of sandeels and not pipe fish!

An image that might be used to show how things used to be considering the way the sandeel population is going around our shores. Strong portrait.

Cheers,
Chris

It works for me, the detail is great

Calum

Great portrait, but I would love to see a little more detail in the eye of the puffin, which looks a little dark to me.

David

Hello Goeff.

Very nice portrait and the detail on the Sandeels and beak is superb.

I think the 'tight in the frame' suits the image perfectly. A very good close-up with lots of impact and interest.

Good detail. Have to feel a bit sorry for the sandeels though

stunning capture Geoff, tried some of these myself this year but not in this league,
Lee

Great impact shot indeed.
I like big head shots.
JohnR