Incoming Gannet

[Mike Landwehr]

This Northern Gannet appears to be preparing to join the thousands of its brethren on the ground. The image is from St. Bonaventure Island last June. I would love to have some color in the sky, but you take what you are given. Processing consisted of a little noise reduction, a bit of feather repair, brightening up the eyes and feet, a modest crop, and USM. C & C appreciated.

7D
70-200 f/2.8 II + 1.4x at 160 mm
ISO 400
1/1250 @ f/5.6
hand held

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the wing position and how the fanned tail is framed by the feet. I don't mind the BG the way it is and composition works for me. Well done Mike.

[Daniel Cadieux]

All I've had the past few days is white-on-white bird photography, so I can appreciate the look here...a look that I like. I love the light seeping through the wing and tail feathers and the wide wingspread is ideal. Super nice.

[Henry Domke]

I would love to have some color in the sky, but you take what you are given.

Why take what you are given if you can fix it? In a few seconds using the Quick Selection tool in Photoshop you can select the bird and then selectively add some blue to the sky. Not sure if you prefer this but I thought I'd repost it for you.