Close up of Gull

[Don Jacobs]

I wasnt able to find any ducks within range the other day so I took advantage of the gulls who were willing to pose:) I tried a few close up shots using the 7D, 400/5.6 SS 1/800 ISO 320, F9. Any/all C&C would be greatly appreciated.

[Marina Scarr]

Hello Don:

Thank you for posting. You have quite a good looking gull here with good exposure all around and nice sharpness. The only thing I would consider adjusting is the composition. I think if you used the rule of third in this case, it would give your gull more of an impact in the frame. You can read the quick tutorial here: http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ional-Examples. How much of a crop is this image if any?

[Don Jacobs]

There wasn't much of a crop at all on this one. Here is the original photo.

[Marina Scarr]

Thank you for posting the original. I have attached an example of how I would crop this image based upon the rule of thirds. Take a look at that tutorial for future use. I think you will find it very beneficial.

[Doug West]

I like Marina's crop. Maybe I'm a perfectionist...but I still go over my old images
to see if they could be cropped differently :)

Love the background also Don. Makes the gull really pop.

Doug

[Faraaz Abdool]

Beautiful gull profile shot. Crop looks stronger. Amazing clarity on the feather detail and eye! Never seen one this close.

[Jeannean Ryman]

Agree, the repost crop looks stronger. Very nice detail and color combination.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

I like the original composition the eye is so well photographed and it works for me - what a beautiful creature,.love the gray and whites and the way you used light for texture - just great. Cropping is subject and I do not like tight birds in a crowded frame - but that's me. The light is so sweet here - well done.