Atlantic Puffin Out of the Fog

In my previous post (Atlantic Puffin in flight with fish & Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop Update), I shared our initial disappointment when a thick blanket of clouds and fog obscured the glorious morning light we'd hoped for during one of last summer's Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshops. However, as often happens on foggy mornings when the temperature climbs above the dew point, things began to change, and they did change quickly!

Shortly after capturing those first foggy images, the fog started to lift. The sun's golden light broke through, while hundreds of Puffins began returning to their burrows, their beaks laden with fish for their hungry young. It was a moment that gifted us with an abundance of unforgettable images to complete our already bursting portfolios.

The dew point is a crucial atmospheric measurement, representing the temperature at which air becomes saturated with water vapour and condensation begins. When the air temperature cools down to meet the dew point, the invisible water vapour in the air transforms into tiny liquid water droplets. If this condensation happens at ground level, we experience it as fog. As the sun rises and warms the air, the temperature often climbs above the dew point, causing these tiny water droplets to evaporate back into vapour, and the fog dissipates, revealing clearer skies and, as in our case, incredible photographic opportunities.

Atlantic Puffin Out of the Fog with fish (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens @600mm ISO 3,200, f/4 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Mist and Magic: An Intimate Encounter with Atlantic Puffins

The salt-laced air hung heavy with moisture, a thick veil of mist clinging to the tiny island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This was day two of my "Deluxe Atlantic Puffins and so much more" workshop, and already it had delivered on its promise. We'd spent the afternoon immersed in the charming, swirling chaos of puffins ferrying beakfuls of glistening fish back to their hidden pufflings – a photographer's dream.

After a productive session, the aroma of a gourmet meal lured us away from the rocky shores. Pan-seared salmon and all the delectable fixings provided the perfect fuel to recount the day's photographic triumphs. As we savoured the last bites, a dense cloud rolled in, shrouding the island in an ethereal grey.

Undeterred, and perhaps fueled by the lingering taste of salmon, we made the short 200-meter trek back down to the beach. The visibility had dropped significantly; the world was reduced to a soft, muted palette. But then, something magical happened.

Suddenly, the puffins out foraging at sea began to fly in. They materialized out of the fog, their vibrant orange feet and beaks stark against the monochrome backdrop, and landed on the rocks around us. They allowed us an incredibly close approach, offering a rare opportunity for intimate portraits.

Seizing the moment, I reached for my Sony 2X teleconverter. With a quick twist, it nestled between my trusty A9 and the powerful reach of my 600mm f/4 super-telephoto lens. The added magnification allowed me to fill the frame with the character of these remarkable birds. I edged closer, carefully navigating the slippery rocks, until I reached the lens's minimum focusing distance.

The silence, broken only by the gentle lapping of waves, was profound. It was a privilege to witness this scene and to capture this intimate glimpse into their lives.

This image serves as a reminder of the unexpected beauty that can emerge from challenging conditions. Initially, a potential disappointment, the heavy mist transformed into the perfect stage for a truly unforgettable encounter. It was a day that underscored the magic of wildlife photography and the incredible rewards of patience and a little gourmet salmon. What a day, indeed.

Atlantic Puffin Portrait in the mist (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine,Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 10,000, f/8 @ 1/125s Manual exposure. Full Frame image.