A Good Evening at the beach
Jun 1, 2020 21:55:53 #
I am generally not an avid wildlife photographer. This evening I headed out to Island Beach State Park to do some long exposure experimentation. It is a long peninsula with Barnegat Bay on the west side and the Atlantic Ocean on the East side. The nice thing is that, with a yearly pass, you can drive on the beach for miles.
When I came across a seal hanging out by a jetty, I was glad that I had a 200mm manual focus lens with me. I was not planning on shooting wildlife, so I did not bring a more suitable lens with me. Manual focus would have to do.
Surprisingly, the seal let me get really close, so 200mm was plenty. I started to wonder if he was injured; but I could not see any signs of distress. (Would I even recognize a seal's distress signs?) In all my years at the Jersey shore, this is the first seal I have seen up close. They do occasionally grace the Jersey shore; but you usually don't see them on the beach. I had to take some photos. Some turned out pretty good; but it is obvious that I'm not an accomplished wildlife photographer.
Just in case he was actually injured or in distress, I reported his presence and location to a policeman as I left for home. He said he would call the rangers in case they were not yet aware of the seal's arrival. Hope everything is ok.
Erich
Erich
When I came across a seal hanging out by a jetty, I was glad that I had a 200mm manual focus lens with me. I was not planning on shooting wildlife, so I did not bring a more suitable lens with me. Manual focus would have to do.
Surprisingly, the seal let me get really close, so 200mm was plenty. I started to wonder if he was injured; but I could not see any signs of distress. (Would I even recognize a seal's distress signs?) In all my years at the Jersey shore, this is the first seal I have seen up close. They do occasionally grace the Jersey shore; but you usually don't see them on the beach. I had to take some photos. Some turned out pretty good; but it is obvious that I'm not an accomplished wildlife photographer.
Just in case he was actually injured or in distress, I reported his presence and location to a policeman as I left for home. He said he would call the rangers in case they were not yet aware of the seal's arrival. Hope everything is ok.
Erich
Erich
No. 1
(Download)
no. 2
(Download)
no. 3
(Download)
no. 4
(Download)
no. 5 (just missed focus, but the flipper cracked me up)
(Download)
Jun 1, 2020 22:55:19 #
ebrunner wrote:
I am generally not an avid wildlife photographer. ... (show quote)
Nice shots, Erich. I especially like your 4th image. Just adorable! We see them fairly frequently down here on our beaches. The one you found looks young to my eyes, but it’s hard to tell for sure. Thanks for alerting someone to the seal’s presence.
Jun 1, 2020 23:02:36 #
MadMikeOne wrote:
Nice shots, Erich. I especially like your 4th image. Just adorable! We see them fairly frequently down here on our beaches. The one you found looks young to my eyes, but it’s hard to tell for sure. Thanks for alerting someone to the seal’s presence.
I hope he was not injured; but he put on quite a display. I probably took over 100 shots. These were the best ones. Glad you liked them.
Erich
Jun 1, 2020 23:13:42 #
ebrunner wrote:
I am generally not an avid wildlife photographer. ... (show quote)
Nice series, Erich!
All those years spending summers down the shore I never saw a seal there!
Climate change effect?
Dave
Jun 1, 2020 23:19:43 #
It’s not a bad results for not being prepared for wildlife photography. As was pointed out he looks young so a fear of humans may not yet be in his DNA. Whatever the reason for not retreating after seeing you is a plus.
Cute little critter.
Cute little critter.
Jun 1, 2020 23:58:22 #
Jun 2, 2020 01:15:33 #
Wonderful photos of that adorable little guy/gal!!! I love #3, #4, and #5. I, too, hope he/she is ok.
Dodie
Dodie
Jun 2, 2020 02:02:53 #
Jun 2, 2020 05:47:28 #
Uuglypher wrote:
Nice series, Erich!
All those years spending summers down the shore I never saw a seal there!
Climate change effect?
Dave
All those years spending summers down the shore I never saw a seal there!
Climate change effect?
Dave
I don't think climate change. They do show up from time to time. Mostly, though, they are spotted in the water....not on the shore. THanks for taking a look.
Erich
Jun 2, 2020 05:48:52 #
NJFrank wrote:
It’s not a bad results for not being prepared for wildlife photography. As was pointed out he looks young so a fear of humans may not yet be in his DNA. Whatever the reason for not retreating after seeing you is a plus.
Cute little critter.
Cute little critter.
It was really interesting to see his antics. He was quite animated. I enjoyed myself, hope he/she did too.
Erich
Jun 2, 2020 05:49:32 #
Jun 2, 2020 05:50:20 #
luvmypets wrote:
Wonderful photos of that adorable little guy/gal!!! I love #3, #4, and #5. I, too, hope he/she is ok.
Dodie
Dodie
Thanks, I'll keep an eye on the local news and see if I can find out anything about his story.
Erich
Jun 2, 2020 13:02:53 #
Katydid wrote:
How wonderfully sweet!
I was impressed by the many different poses this fellow/gal presented me with. Pleasant surprise.
Erich
Jun 2, 2020 20:09:30 #
That's a beautiful set, Erich. I'm not much of a wildlife photographer myself, but I know great work when I see it. All of the images are excellent.
Andy
Andy
Jun 2, 2020 22:54:40 #
Thank you. That is a really nice compliment. Glad you enjoyed the photos.
Erich
Erich
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