Iceland Gull

[Isaac Grant]

Here is a shot of one of a pair of Iceland Gulls that have been spending the winter about a 5 minute drive from my house in Staten Island, New York. We have our first real snow and cold of the winter with temperatures of about 15 degrees and high winds. I was hoping to get a shot like this of this bird in strong blowing snow. Was only able to get 5 frames off before the birds flushed by a car. Taken this weekend.

Canon 7d ii and Canon 500 f4 ii. F8, ISO 640, SS 1/2500. Tripod mounted while lying in snow.

Converted in DPP 4. Clicked white balance to keep my snow and bird white. In PS is leveled, sharpened and used Viveza to bring back some of the beautiful blue tones of the background which is the waters of New York Harbor.

[William Dickson]

Thats looking real good Isaac. The facial expression on the birds face is priceless, with the eye half closed to protect it. Love how the BG and FG meet. The detail and pose on the bird look fab. Terrific frame mate, well done.

TFS

Will

[annmpacheco]

Isaac, a wonderful image, specs look good, love your composition. Very serene and your image emits both a tender and tenacious side to this gull who "weathers" (sorry) the storm. Big thumbs up.

[Richard Flack]

That is really beautiful Isaac, i love the soft tones and the peaceful mood created. The facial expression on the gull is also really cool! Well done! Would be great if the red on the bill was more pronounced, but I guess light/weather would prevent this. TFS

[arash_hazeghi]

I like the snow and the tucked-in pose, must have been really cold. good exposure and white balance

TFS

[Mike Poole]

Very appealing shot Isaac, the elements take this up several notches and the techs are perfect with great tones on the whites.

Mike

[keith mitchell]

Isaac you have caught the conditions perfectly ,the blue top 2 thirds really makes the Gull stand out very well,love the way the bird is tucked up against the elements,lovely job.

Keith.

[David Salem]

Wow!! I think I looked at this on my phone earlier but it didn't have the same impact as on the big screen. This looks fantastic. I really like the whole feel of this image and the snow is so even and fine it looks like the snow that's in one of those shake up globe scenes. Very nice

[Marina Scarr]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the feel of this one, the sense of place and the elements! Really well seen and executed. Low angle helped a lot and love the blue BG also.