Wildlife photography often delivers its greatest rewards in unexpected moments. Such was the case during my recent expedition to Hvítserkur in northern Iceland. I had positioned myself along the shoreline, tripod adjusted to its lowest setting, my attention entirely focused on a group of harbor seals lounging offshore. The light was perfect, the seals were active, and everything was going according to plan—until something entirely unplanned stole the show.
The Unexpected Shore Visitor
As I maintained my focus on the seals, a slight movement in my peripheral vision caught my attention. A Sanderling—one of Iceland's characteristic shore birds—was making its way across the beach, stopping occasionally to probe the wet sand for food. What struck me immediately was its apparent lack of concern about my presence. While most shore birds maintain a careful distance from humans, this particular individual seemed almost curious, approaching closer with each passing minute.
These small waders are typically seen running back and forth along the surf line, darting away from incoming waves with remarkable precision. They're known locally as "wave chasers" for this distinctive behavior. Yet this one seemed more interested in me than in its normal feeding routine, providing an unexpected opportunity for a close-up portrait.
Technical Approach to Shore Bird Photography
Fortunately, I was already set up in an ideal position for shore bird photography. My tripod was at its minimum height, placing my camera just inches above the ground—perfect for capturing a Sanderling at eye level. I was using my 400mm lens with a 1.4x teleconverter, giving me plenty of reach while maintaining sharpness.
When photographing shore birds, I find that a low angle not only creates a more intimate perspective but also highlights the unique environment these birds inhabit. The challenge with this setup is remaining perfectly still to avoid startling your subject. The slightest movement can send these naturally cautious birds scurrying away.
For this particular image, I used:
- 1/125 second shutter speed as the bird was relatively stationary
- f/6.3 aperture to maintain sharpness while creating a soft background
- ISO 64 for maximum image quality
Capturing the Perfect Moment
As the Sanderling continued its approach, I slowly rotated my ball head to track its movement, careful to avoid any sudden gestures. The bird paused momentarily, standing in the shallow surf, and turned to face me in perfect profile. In that instant, the entire scene came together—the soft morning light highlighting its intricate plumage patterns, the gentle waves creating a subtle foreground, and the blurred coastal landscape providing a muted backdrop.
The Sanderling's winter plumage was in full display, showcasing the beautiful contrast between its white underparts and the intricate patterning on its back. These birds migrate thousands of miles each year between Arctic breeding grounds and wintering areas, making their resilience all the more impressive when observed up close.
Lessons in Wildlife Photography Preparedness
This encounter reinforces one of wildlife photography's fundamental lessons: always be ready to pivot. While I had arrived with a specific subject in mind—harbor seals—remaining adaptable allowed me to capture an equally compelling image of an entirely different species.
The experience also highlights the importance of proper field setup. Had my equipment been configured solely for photographing distant seals, I might have missed this intimate shore bird portrait. By using a versatile lens and positioning my tripod in a way that could accommodate different subjects, I was prepared when the unexpected opportunity arose.
Perhaps most importantly, this Sanderling reminded me that wildlife photography is a reciprocal experience. While we observe and photograph these remarkable creatures, they too are watching us—sometimes with apparent curiosity. These moments of connection across species create not just compelling images, but meaningful experiences that deepen our appreciation for the natural world.
Have you ever had an unexpected wildlife subject steal the show during a photography outing? I'd love to hear about your experiences with shore birds or spontaneous wildlife encounters in the comments below.
