Diving Gull, and a stitch

[Bill Dix]

D7000, 700mm, ISO 800, 1/2000s @ f/6.3 manual, gitzo and mongoose

While waiting by the lake for Hoodies, I occasionally used one of the local Ring-billed Gulls as a target for an exposure (blinkie) check. I saw this guy preparing for a dive, and caught him here just 1/10 second before he hit the water.

And just for fun.... (see next pane)

[Bill Dix]

.... I stitched together a comp of three frames, representing 0.4 seconds in the life of a gull. Unlike gannets and boobies, these guys don't transform themselves into spears before hitting the water, as you can see. I also find it interesting that even 1/10th of a second before he hit the water he hasn't closed his nictitating membrane.

[Dennis Zaebst]

Both photos have great techs, and you've captured a unique perspective as well. Gulls are great to practice BIF techniques on, and you've nailed this one. Great sharpness, composition, and exposure (the whites are perfect). I like that despite the apparently overcast skies, you have preserved good contrast and clarity. Well done Bill.

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Very nice sequence Bill. Love the stitched sequence, and I think either of the top two positions would make a nice image.

Also, have to commend you on your panning technique to get these shots. It's MUCH harder to pan vertically than it is horizontally. Nicely done!

Miguel

[Karl Egressy]

Great action shot, Bill. It is very nice as one or stiching the three together.

[PhilCook]

Nice job on the sequence Bill, good thinking there

[dankearl]

The stitch is really good.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks everyone.