If only ......

[Stu Bowie]

... the rock was not there. Another image from the wetlands where the Grey headed gulls where active, and reflections were the order of the day, if they landed in the 'right' place.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300mm F/2.8 +2X TC = 600mm
1/1600
F/7.1
ISO 640

Exp comp 0
hand held

[Bruce Spell]

I love the colors in this one. The background really sets off the colors in the gull. The little splashes of color in the background add to the overall image as well. Funny, I didn't even notice the rock at first. Of course, after having it pointed out then it stuck out like a sore thumb.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Absolutely top class Stu, it's a crying shame about the rock but nevertheless a real gem of an image.

[Shawn Zierman]

I feel your pain here Stu. I shoot at a similar location and those darned rocks seem to know how to photobomb.
Regardless, this is so close to perfection, the rock is almost unimportant. The reflection is uber quality. Exposure work is spot on.

[Loi Nguyen]

Great light, exposure, pose, everything was as good as it can be, except for the rock to be in the wrong place. What a shame, but its an excellent image nevertheless. Loi

[Girish Prahalad]

lovely comp, pose, exposure & details. the rock doesn't bug me too much.

[Ritesh Nangare]

Nice bird and Awesome reflection in the water .........

[Satish Ranadive]

Stuart Sir,
What ever little knowledge I have about PP, used it and modified the image without your permission.I hope you don't mind.
Such beautiful image,I could not wait for your permission. I hope you will like it.Like to know you opinion about it,whether good or bad.

130722

Regards,
Satish.

[Stu Bowie]

and modified the image without your permission.I hope you don't mind.
Such beautiful image,I could not wait for your permission. I hope you will like it.

Hi Satish, I dont have any problem you having a go at my image, and no need for permission either. Great job you achieved here. Maybe a little clean up around the chin. Thank you so much for the effort.

Thank you everyone else for the kind words and feedback.

[HadiAnsari]

Nice reflection.everything was as good as it can be, except for the rock to be in the wrong place.

[gail bisson]

The light, the water color, the wing position are all beautiful.
I feel your pain with that stupid rock!
Gail

[Diane Miller]

Awesome capture!! If it were me, I'd do what Satish did and never look back! When nature throws rocks at you, throw them back.

[MohsenVahedipour]

Sweet warm light, great pose & IQ and nice reflection.

[David Salem]

Hi Stuart.
Man, so close to perfection. Gosh knows we all have a few ''almosts'' in our files. Even with the rock, it still is a solid image. Great job with the exposure. Love the bright eye. Before I saw Satish's repost, I thought it wouldnt be to hard to remove. Nice work!

[Ishmeet Sahni]

Stuart, hats off to your timing. The image with or without the rock looks amazing. TO me the reflection looks better than thew actual bird....
Also the splash of water adds to the moment...

[Nigel Kibble]

Beautiful reflection , awesome shot

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a stack for all the feedback everyone. Always appreciated.