Fulmar

[Reynir Skarsgard]

This was taken on a calm, sunny day in the harbour. No cropping, just a little highlight adjustment and sharpening.

Canon EOS 7D
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L
1/1250
f/8.0
ISO 400

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/5934138133_36601e3b7a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reynirsk/5934138133/)

[John Chardine]

Hi Reynir- You are a lucky man to have fulmars in your harbour (usually you have to go offshore to get them. I like the reflection and it's strong enough to be included. I notice the light is coming from behind you and to the right, which is causing the brightly-lit back of head and the face and upper-breast in the shadow. You could "dodge" these shadow areas to brighten them up. I think the image would have more impact if the bird and reflection were moved down in the frame a bit to give more room above the head than between the head's reflection and the frame bottom. For sure I think you need more room above and since you didn't crop, the only way to do it is to add canvas.

Nicely done and a pleasure to see.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Hi Reynir,

I like the shadows on the feathers gives detail. Agree with John's comments regarding light in the eye area and more roome. A tad tight for me. I would give room overhead and in front. Thanks for sharing, well done.

[Reynir Skarsgard]

Thanks for your comments, guys.

I did a quick rework, expanded the background somewhat top and left and lightened the area near the eye a bit. You were right about the increased space, it does improve the image a lot.

http://reynirsk.smugmug.com/photos/i-rsw7QDT/0/XL/i-rsw7QDT-XL.jpg

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Yes, this is the right direction IMO. You could go more too, well done. I tend to like plenty of room to breath, others might disagree. As you know, composition is subjective.