Gannets

[Cameraman_nz]

This is my first time to upload photo here. I took this picture in Hawkes Bay of New Zealand. These birds are called Australian Gannets. They are pretty, aren't they? (Camera: Canon 300D, Lens: Canon 28-90 Ultrasonic)

[kkraczek]

This is a very nice photo! The sharpness and colors are excellent... and what cute little birds! Welcome to the forum!

[paulnj]

cute LITTLE birds?? no kristen ...gannets are bigger than GULLS and mallard ducks, yet smaller than canada goose for sizing ;)

AND THE BEST PART IS.... our gannets(look the same, but a sub species) hit the Florida coast in winter ;)

I am amazed at how close you got to a gannet nest(having never seen one). Mid day sun has made the highlight blow out, maybe go back(if possible) and try direct frontal lighting with negative(-.3 - .7) comp to keep detail in the whites in EVALUTIVE or SPOT METER the whites and OVER expose by 1 stop or so.

I find the upward angle to be less effective as a shot from a higher vantage point, BUT I'd keep this in a heartbeat none the less.

MORE DOF would get your chick in sharp focus too..... F11

[Cameraman_nz]

Thank you. I was very lucky. The weather condition was good and I could take photos 2 metres from those birds! The "Sports" mode was used. Here is another photo.

[paulnj]

You are quite the lucky guy to have such a place to shoot... Capitalize on that situation!