Honorable Mention Cold Water

Jill Crosby

"Where Penguins Fly"

The Story:

We all know penguins as iconic flightless birds, charmingly clumsy and seemingly maladapted for life on land. Rarely are penguins viewed in their element, underwater, where their endearing awkwardness transforms into something of astonishing agility and grace. It is a privilege to behold the beauty of animals, mastery over their habitat in the wild, and penguins are no exception. I was fortunate to accompany a group of like-minded, wildlife-fanatical friends on an expedition to Antarctica. We donned drysuits and snorkels, plunging into the frigid water of the Southern Ocean to fully experience a place that few will see in their lifetime. This picture was taken near Salisbury Plain, home to one of the largest King Penguin colonies in South Georgia. We entered the water in a shallow bay, just offshore from the colony. Before long, curiosity drove the penguins into the water to investigate. Despite our freezing cold faces, amidst the magic of penguins zooming all around us, it was impossible not to smile. A lone penguin came in close, correctly presuming I could do him no harm. My icy fingers managed to capture the shot, but it wasn't until reviewing in post that I appreciated the magnificence of what I had seen. The penguin, with feet tucked under and beak stretched out, had made himself into a rocket. He released a shimmering trail of tiny microbubbles from his plumage, coating himself with a lubricating layer of air to cut drag and maximize speed. Perhaps most enchantingly, underwater, his wings came to life, flapping to propel him forward and steering like rudders as he soared. In a picture, I had discovered one of nature's greatest secrets: here in the icy blue water, this is where penguins can fly!

Location:

Salisbury Plain, South Georgia

Equipment Used:

• Sony A1 camera
• Sony 16-35mm Vario-Tessar T FE F4 ZA OSS lens
• Ambient lighting (no strobes)
• Marelux housing 
• 230mm Dome Port

Camera Settings:

• f/5.6
• 1/400
• ISO 800