Sleeping Angel
Northern Gannet Morus Bassanus. The Saltee Islands, Ireland.
Mario Suárez Porras, Spain. Category: Attention to Detail. COMMENDED.
Photographer's Story: ‘In the south of Ireland there are a group of islands that are a real sanctuary for birds: these are The Saltee Islands. They are home to one of the most important colonies of Northern Gannets. The picture shows a detailed section of the plumage and head of one individual as it snoozes. The Gannet’s white feathers and its flight have always suggested to me what the vision of angel might be like. As the island is uninhabited the Gannets are very trusting and don´t show any fear of human presence. They allowed me to get near enough to be able to obtain this close and intimate image.’
Canon EOS 7D MkII with Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens and 1.4x converter. 420mm focal length; 1/2,000 second; f/7.1; ISO 320.
