The Perfect Puffin Patience and Proficiency

Atlantic Puffin PEACE (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) île aux Perroquets, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 800mm f/5.6 L IS Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3. Think-Tank Photo Hydrophobia 300-600. ISO 800, f/6.3 @1/3200s Manual mode. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

"Hey Chris, I've been a huge fan for a very long time and have been meaning to send a note to inquire how you managed to get those perfect Puffin images on that flat, calm water last year. I just saw a huge print at a trade show and WOW!" James M.

Thanks, James. The image was made during my 2011 Puffins Galore workshop in Quebec. I have spent a huge amount of time studying the habits of the nesting Puffins and realized that they liked to bathe in a shallow cove near their nesting grounds at the end of the day. We managed some fun images while the water was a little choppy with 6-10 inch waves, the very best were made one very calm afternoon. Being patient helped us keep checking the cove each afternoon and being proficient meant we were ready when the stars aligned and we got calm water with Puffins galore.

Note the technicals: ISO 800 with a shutter speed of 1/3200s meant we were ready to freeze the action when the Puffin stretched, took-off, and when others landed nearby. The relatively shallow depth of field from the f6.3 aperture and low angle of view helped keep the foreground and background clean and free of details.

I still have limited space available for my July 4-6, 2012 Puffins Galore Workshop/Safari. Please check it out HERE.