Allan Cronin paddled a kayak to the edge of the continental shelf and waited. The feeding frenzy that emerged reminds us that the best wildlife shots can come from watching, not chasing
A close encounter between a fur seal, its catch and a scrum of seabirds shows why patience beats pursuit
Allan Cronin's remarkable photograph from the Wildlife Category of this year's Ocean Photographer of the Year Adventure category showcases a fur seal taking hold of a New Zealand rough skate and flinging it into the air, while a flurry of seabirds surround the scene. The chaotic, raw image reminds us that nature's beauty is not always gentle, but instead, it can be fierce and unforgiving, as Tennyson once wrote, "red in tooth and claw."
Cronin, a former electrician turned whale watching guide and skipper, was positioned just off the coast of Kaikōura, on New Zealand's South Island. Driven by careful observation of local wildlife, he paddled close to the continental shelf's edge and patiently waited for the perfect moment. Cronin's keen eye for detail allowed him to predict the natural food chain dynamics, which ultimately led him to the perfect shot.
To capture the scene, Cronin used a Sony A6600 with a 70-350mm zoom set at 113mm, providing a 35mm-equivalent focal length of approximately 169mm. This allowed him to remain at a safe distance while still capturing the action. He utilized a shutter speed of 1/2500 sec to freeze water droplets mid-air and prevent blurs from the skate's thrashing movements. The settings of f/6.3 and ISO500 worked well for bright open water with abundant light.
Cronin's manual exposure settings indicate that the dramatic contrast between the dark seal, pale fish, and white spray required precise control over the camera's settings. This dedication to technique and understanding of the environment contributed to the image's success. Ultimately, the photograph exemplifies that some of the most powerful wildlife images are born from two simple yet crucial skills: knowing where to look and having the patience to observe.
The Ocean Photographer of the Year contest, presented by Oceanographic and Blancpain, will announce its winners in September, with thousands of entries submitted from photographers around the world, competing in various categories including Fine Art, Conservation Impact, Conservation Hope, Human Connection, Adventure, and the new Ocean Unseen: Hidden Worlds.
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