Kittiwake Parent and Chick

[Bill Dix]

The Black-legged Kittiwake is a member of the family of Arctic Gulls. On our way to the Flatey Island Ferry in Iceland last July we stopped at the seacliffs of Arnistapi on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Mid-day on a south-facing cliff is not the optimum condition for photographing these gulls with their smooth white heads, but I managed to keep the whites under control in this frame.

D7200, 500f4, ISO 500, 1/2500s @ f/9 manual.

[Alex Becker]

Hi Bill, I think you did well with the lighting conditions. The protective wing at the bottom makes the frame for me and really ties it together. Have you tried burning the background rocks a bit? Nice detail especially on the chick

[Bill Dix]

Thank you Alex. I'll take a look at burning the rocks.

[Marina Scarr]

Love this image and seeing the 2 together both calling. Like your choice of crop/comp as well.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Marina.