Iceland gull take off

[Grace Scalzo]

This gull, an unusual species for Long Island, frequents one of our North Shore beaches every winter. Still don't have my dream shot of him or her, but I rather like the light and the light angle in this one.

1/2000, f 6.3, iso800
Canon 1dx , 500f4 + 1.4tc + tripod
Added canvas to the front, CS5

[Randy Stout]

Grace:

The lighting is lovely, soft, directional, excellent on the eye, nicely exposed, like the gradient in the BG.

I might place the bird slightly higher in the frame.

Very beautiful!

Randy

[gail bisson]

Congrats on the 1DX Grace! A beautiful first post.
I love the light and the blues and greys in BG and how they transition so beautifully.
The eye is so clear and sharp with a perfect catchlight. Has a 3D look to it.
Agree with Randy on a sliver more room on the bottom as he appears to be gliding downwards,
Gail

[Grace Scalzo]

Thanks Randy and Gail. Great suggestions on the comp. Will employ them!

[Julie Brown]

Sweet light on this bird, Grace. I also agree with Randy about adding a bit more to the bottom.

[dankearl]

Very sharp and very attractive light.
Maybe just a bit higher in the frame, but that is about all I can add to this.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Grace, the light on the eye has brought it out so well. Gulls eyes, although small, are actually quite attractive captured in good light. I do like the overall colour of the gull in the sweet light, and agree moving it up in the frame should work better.

Congrats on your new toy.

[Shawn Zierman]

That is one beautifully plumaged iceland gull, and the light quality makes it even sweeter.
Curious what your dream shot would be. Here, the flight pose could be better imo, but
really only because for this type of flight image, I prefer full up or full down wing positioning...

[Nick Palmieri]

The light is sweet. I think he fits nicely in the frame. Nice BG as well.

[Gary Esman]

First off congrats on the 1Dx. I have been eyeing that camera. The lighting here is superb. I am partial to this type of lighting it adds such a sense of depth to the image. Well done!

Gary.

[Tim King]

Wing position, light, BG and subject is off the charts !! Fine job.