Northern Gannet first lights

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

It may happen that many of you don't like this image but somehow this became one of my favorites from my trip to Northern Germany in 2007 (already last year ::eek: ). Jan and me were waiting on the top of Helgoland to have nice warm lights. When the sunlight touched the plateau the head of the birds became golden while the rest of the body, shadowed by the cliff, was still dead colored.

I really wonder what do you think about this image. Any comments are highly appreciated.

Happy New Year again to all of you. Hope you had a nice celebration.

Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)
Helgoland, Germany l April 2007
Canon EOS-1D Mark II N l EF 600mm f/4.0L IS USM

[Alfred Forns]

Classic pose for these birds Would love to see the birds totally lit to compare It is a very appealing image Would evict the intruder behind:) !!!!!

[KK Hui]

The interaction and the spot light effect are wonderful, Szimi!

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like it as is, very original.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Beautiful image Szimi and I love the spotlight effect you captured on these two. Great interaction and lovely eye contact too !!!

[D. Robert Franz]

Great interaction and light on these birds. As far as the crop I would either like to see the entire bird on the right or go a bit tighter than this...

[Fabs Forns]

In the thumbnail, I though what a shame, but when I opened the image, it really stroke me as very beautiful.
It must really look great full size.

Hope 2008 will make your dreams a reality :)

And congratulations on being BPN First Member!!!!!!

[Jim Neiger]

I like it, Szimi. The spotlight effect on the heads really draws the eye. Very cool.

[Jody Melanson]

I love the gradient of light in this image, Szimi! My only nit would be to include the hind quarters of the Gannet on the right.

[Lana Hays]

Well first of all I just love Gannets.....so you're already ahead of the game!! I love that spotlight on the action....and they are so intriguing with their greeting. I certainly would be tempted to crop much closer.....it would focus even more on the action.....still give the spotlighting effect and eliminate the other bird without cloning.

[Maxis Gamez]

This is a very intimate image. The colors are terrific!

[James Salywoda]

Awesome shot Szimi lovely comp....

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

Great light and pose,nice work!