Swallowtail Gull Takeoff

[Mike Landwehr]

This swallowtail gull was captured in the act of leaving the rock on which it had been sitting. Would probably have benefited from being at f/5.6. The photo was taken late in the afternoon at Punta Suarez, in the Galapagos Islands. All C & C appreciated!

1D Mark II N
500 mm f/4 on tripod
ISO 200
1/2500 @ f/4
no flash

[CliveTonge]

Hi Mike
beautiful capture. I liked the position.
I would like to see a bit more space on the left and oddly at the bottom. For some reason my mind thinks that the bird will dip a bit as he takes off and needs that bit of space to dip into.
I wonder if anyone else sees or feels that???
Thanks for sharing,
Take care,
Clive

[Mike Milicia]

Nice catch! Love the pose, perch, and BG, and techs look great!

Agree with Clive on wanting more space at bottom and left (and possibly less on right).

[OvidiuCavasdan]

I like the pose, beautiful eye, it's sharp where it needs to be and the BG compliments the bird very well. Agree about some more room left and bottom.

[Dumay de Boulle]

I Really like the rock as a perch...The detail and exposure is very good and a really nice wing position.... Aree on the needing of a bit more space...Nicely done Mike

[denise ippolito]

Mike, One of my favorites! I love the pose and the details. Beautiful BG compliments the gull nicely.:)