Northern Gannet Artistic Eye Detail

Here’s another Gannet from the first day (June 5, 2023) of my Gannets Galore and so much more workshops on Bonaventure Island. Near the end of our very long day of rain, it started to let up a little, and I decided to lie down in the wet grass and wait for a Gannet to get close. I spent almost 25 minutes with it before starting the hike back to catch the boat. I wanted something that would work on a cover, so I kept the camera in vertical orientation and let the composition …develop - smile.

Click on the image above to see and read about a horizontal image cropped to vertical and published on the cover of the now-defunct Dutch E & V magazine way back in 2010. ©Christopher Dodds

Northern Gannet Eye Detail

When it’s bright, work tight!

Bright hot days at a seabird colony or on safari in Africa can be brutal with harsh light making harsh shadows. I always think about “zooming in” and working tight - preferably in the shade. This image was made in the shade of the “Belvedere” (balcony) immersed in the colony and surrounded by Gannets on their nests. I found a small patch of shade and got close with my flash with the diffuser attached.

Gannets Galore on Bonaventure Island Last minute cancellations

Join me for an incredible adventure on Bonaventure Island from June 8 to 10, 2022. The days start early with a 4-hour Zodiac boat trip to photograph diving Gannets and other seabirds (Razorbills, Murres, Harlequins), Whales and Seals. After the Zodiac fun, it is off to the colony with the park staff transporting your gear up to the colony for the rest of the day. One of my favourite trips!

Northern Gannets Eye Detail as used in now defunct Dutch nature photography magazine E & V back in 2010

Special thanks to Danny Ellinger of the Netherlands for choosing my images of Gannets for their magazine feature way back in 2010 - It is a shame the magazine did not stay in business.