Port Charcot
Sony A7R4, Sony 100-400mm, Sony 1.4x teleconverter @143mm
ISO-400, f/9, 1/1250s
When penguins swim underwater, they jump out of the water about every 50-100m and fly through the air for a second or two, then diving back again, this behavior calls “porpoising”. Penguins porpoise to breath while maintaining the high forward speed, to get away from predators, or to take a look at their surroundings. Penguins swim at the speed of 6-12km/h, while Gentoo penguins in these images can reach the speed of 35km/h! Gentoo penguins is the fastest swimmer among the penguins.
These are the action shots that require high speed continuous shooting and fast shutter speed, at least 1/500 seconds to freeze the moment. I would also strongly recommend the continuous focus mode for penguins in action. It is also important to see which direction they are porpoising, if they porpoise toward you or laterally, it is a good timing to photograph. It is an extra bonus if you have interesting backdrop like icebergs. Getting a clear, sharp and interesting porpoising image is the combination of patience, skill and luck!
Port Charcot
Sony A7R4, Sony 100-400mm, Sony 1.4x teleconverter @400mm
ISO-400, f/9, 1/640s
Port Charcot
Sony A7R4, Sony 100-400mm, Sony 1.4x teleconverter @339mm
ISO-400, f/9, 1/640s