Heerman's Gull on a pedestal!

I shot this in Half Moon Bay, CA yesterday. I am having fun using manual mode and auto ISO, the third dimension!

Converted in Capture NX2 PP'ed in CS5. Cropped a little off the top and bottom, NR with Topaz Denoise on the BG, selectively sharpened the bird and the post with USM, lightend the eye a little, applied a curves layer. C&C welcome.


Camera Model: NIKON D300, handheld
Shutter speed: 1/2000 sec
Aperture: 7.1
Exposure mode: Manual
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 1000, auto ISO
Lens: VR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D
Focal length: 400mm
Focal length: 600mm (in 35mm film)
AF mode: AF-C

New species for me!
Good IQ and BG. I like the feather detail and the apparent layered rows of feathers on chest and belly.
The back foot position is different and nice.
Gail

Nice head position and nice detail in the bird. The position of the foot adds some interest. TFS

Nice detail, particularly in the chest. The pose and HA are good and agree about the foot position adding a bit of interest. There appears to be a slight blue cast to some of the feathers around the eye and cheek, not sure if it is the natural coloring or should be adjusted.

TFS,
Rachel

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rachel Hollander

Nice detail, particularly in the chest. The pose and HA are good and agree about the foot position adding a bit of interest. There appears to be a slight blue cast to some of the feathers around the eye and cheek, not sure if it is the natural coloring or should be adjusted.

TFS,
Rachel

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Thanks all. Rachel, thanks for pointing that blue cast out! I am challenged when it comes to seeing color casts and correcting them also! Here's a repost with my attempt to reduce the blue, which should be gray!

Very nice shot. I really like the pose, great backgorund, exposed very well, and great feather detail.
Well done.