Gorgeous Photo Captures a Penguin Colony on the Hunt

• Taylor Glascock Photo
• Date of Publication: 12.10.15.

A group of penguins feeding in the open sea off the coast of Antarctica. Alexandre Voyer

When French photographer Alex Voyer saw a chance to swim with penguins, he literally jumped at the chance. He dove into the frigid arctic water with nothing more than a wetsuit, his camera and one deep breath, Voyer came face-to-face (and fin-to-fin) with the tuxedoed flightless birds.

Voyer made this gorgeous photo two years ago during sailing adventure in Antartica. He was topside enjoying the view when he spotted a group of 50 or so penguins feeding at sea. Amazed, he suited up and jumped in.

He floated just below the surface, waiting for the moment when the birds came up for air and then rocketed back down into the deep. He worked with natural light and a camera with a 16-35mm lens in an underwater housing. The wide angle lens and fast shutter speed allowed him to capture each penguin as the colony dove and spiraled. Voyer did his best to avoid disturbing the birds, which swam around him for nearly 30 minutes before vanishing. “It is amazing to see so many penguins surrounding and flying around,” he says. “It’s incredible how agile they are in the water, because they are so clumsy on land.”

Ultimately, the pair want to show people how many fantastic creatures live below the sea, a place too few understand and appreciate. “The oceans are still living, and if we want to educate people about them and fight for this cause, we must show them how beautiful they are,” Voyer says.

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If the above image isn't large enough, then CLICK THIS LINK to see one huge portrait of those Gentoos!