Cindy Marple
October 2026 - Adelies
Original
About the Image(s)
Adelie Penguins are the abundant species in the Ross Sea area, so we had many opportunities to photograph them throughout my voyage earlier this year. I was following the bird walking on the floating ice, when the second appeared from below. I liked the counterpoint it gave to the main subject, and the relative poses of the 2 birds worked well. Photographed from the moving zodiac boat. Nikon Z8, 290mm, 1/200, f/10. ISO320 Processing: Mainly just the crop. I warmed up the white balance a little and slightly increased contrast. It was interesting how blue the bright sunlight was at that high latitude. I actually used cloudy white balance several times to counteract that.
11 comments posted
Love the crop for it capture the "cuteness" of the birds. Your ability to to keep the Snow White really highlights those two cuties. :) Posted: 10/03/2026 18:16:26
Always a challenge to balance out brights and darks in the same image, but you did a fine job of doing just that. Simple but beautiful color scheme with just vivid blue and white and black. I do like the arrangement of the pair -- I hoped you tipped them well for the modeling job! Even some action here with the snow flakes being kicked up. Good job, especially considering the difficult environment. Posted: 10/08/2026 22:33:04
Cindy - this is a fabulous image! Love it. You captured interesting action and managed to have both their beaks open - adding charm. Yes, the snow/ice is perfectly white. Well done re all.
Was this an Expedition trip with boots on ground? I ask as we're doing that this Jan/Feb, but will be by the Peninsula and S Georgia coming from Argentina - I may wish to seek advice via PM. Posted: 10/16/2026 09:31:45
Was this an Expedition trip with boots on ground? I ask as we're doing that this Jan/Feb, but will be by the Peninsula and S Georgia coming from Argentina - I may wish to seek advice via PM. Posted: 10/16/2026 09:31:45
Hi Adrian, thank you for the comment.
Yes, this was an Expedition trip. We had many landings as well as zodiac cruises. I've done the Peninsula and S. Georgia as well. Happy to answer questions. my email is clmarple@cox.net. Posted: 10/16/2026 19:44:48
Yes, this was an Expedition trip. We had many landings as well as zodiac cruises. I've done the Peninsula and S. Georgia as well. Happy to answer questions. my email is clmarple@cox.net. Posted: 10/16/2026 19:44:48
Thanks Cindy - I'll be in touch! But for now, I meant to ask - I've been struck about the fact that you managed to capture both their beaks open - I assume you took many shots here - do you recall how many shots per second you set your camera for this. I ask as I mostly use 10ps, but occasionally 25ps electronic shutter, but can go far more if desired. Posted: 10/17/2026 19:53:32
This was actually the first image in the sequence of about 10 frames as they moved across the ice, and their beaks were open in all but the last frame. I don't recall whether they were vocalizing or maybe just the exertion of coming out of the water?
I typically choose 6-8 FPS and was probably at 6 here. I usually only go to a higher rate if I think there'll be action that warrants the extra editing effort, such as when they're porpoising. Posted: 10/17/2026 22:30:02
I typically choose 6-8 FPS and was probably at 6 here. I usually only go to a higher rate if I think there'll be action that warrants the extra editing effort, such as when they're porpoising. Posted: 10/17/2026 22:30:02
Thanks Cindy. This is an interesting discussion topic - not just for penguins - as to sequence shooting settings (I don't recall any recent discussion). It may be too late in the month to get a wide discussion - I'll wait till next month. Posted: 10/18/2026 17:36:30
Adrian, can you elaborate on what you mean by sequence shooting? If you mean burst rate then that depends on the capability of a particular camera. Mine, and I assume Cindy's, has a maximum burst rate of ten frames per second. This differs with different camera models. Posted: 10/19/2026 17:43:41
Jerry - many also now have electronic shutter - so a much larger potential no of fpc Posted: 10/19/2026 20:28:48
Jerry, the Z8 is capable of 30 fps. I rarely use it, as mentioned I find slower rate adequate in most situations. Posted: 10/21/2026 01:34:44
Hi Cindy,
What cute penguins! I love the strong contrast between the blue water and the white snow, which creates a beautiful frame for this pair of penguins. You've cropped the image well to make it stronger while retaining lovely detail in the snow. Posted: 10/25/2026 14:49:40
What cute penguins! I love the strong contrast between the blue water and the white snow, which creates a beautiful frame for this pair of penguins. You've cropped the image well to make it stronger while retaining lovely detail in the snow. Posted: 10/25/2026 14:49:40