Now you think you are getting the hang of photographing birds and then you step foot on a boat. Jeannine and I went on a Pelagic trip with Debi Shearwater and Shearwater Journeys. This trip was out of Pillar Point Harbor and into Half Moon Bay. What I have found that works for me is taking many many photos since 90% will be out of focus and the subject partially in the frame. I shot over 1500 photos and what was left after going through them was 177 with only 60 or so 4 stars.
The sea was very calm, which is very rare and even with the flat ocean the movement makes capturing the birds and sea life very difficult. I captured this Pink-footed Shearwater as she was taking flight. With a high 1/2000s shutter speed and an aperture of f/7.1, I was able to stop the bird and the water as the bird ran across the surface.
Photo of the Week 7: Pink-footed Shearwater (Puffinus creatopus)
EQ: D800 f/2.8 300mm with 1.7x TC Taken: 8-16-14 16:46
Setting: 500mm, f/7.1, 1/2000s, ISO1000, VR on Condition: Very Foggy, Calm Seas
Although the main focus of the trip are the birds, I always love seeing the mammals and other sea life. On this trip I saw 4 new life birds (3 species of Storm Petrels and a Scripps's Murrelet), which I was able to capture but only ID quality images. The best part of these trips are the leaders. They are always close by and what ever they see they call it out and are very helpful in spotting the birds.
California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
Setting: 500mm, f/76.3, 1/2500s, ISO720, VR on
Taken: 8-16-14 16:46
Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes)
Setting: 500mm, f/6.3, 1/2500s, ISO720, VR on
Taken: 8-16-14 12:03
Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata)
Setting: 500mm, f/7.1, 1/2500s, ISO640, VR on
Taken: 8-16-14 16:21
Long-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis)
Setting: 500mm, f/6.3, 1/2500s, ISO800, VR on
Taken: 8-16-14 16:44
Your comments are welcomed and if you have any questions about the photo or any other questions leave me a message.