Black Headed Gull - Take Off Pose

[William Dickson]

Canon 1DX
f/4 500mm with 1.4
f/8
1/3200
ISO 640

I captured the BHG(winter plumage) on the same loch, same place, as my previous Mute Swan image. It was on the loch under overhanging trees, which made it deep in shadow. Getting the take off was a bonus, as I never expected it. As with my Swan image(theme image winner last month ) I added contrast to the BG to make it darker.

Will

[David Cowling]

Hi Will. I love the dark BG and the circle of water droplets. I like the wing position and the way the bird is making eye contact. The bird almost seems to be performing a ballet movement. I'm not fussed about the movement blur in the wing but others may be. TFS.

[gail bisson]

This is very good William.
I love the circle of droplets created by the take-off.
The wing position is really nice but what makes the image for me is the pop of red from the legs and bill against that great black BG.
Head is nice and sharp.
I would try to separate the black portion of the bill from the black BG as it gets lost a bit.
Pretty nice image!
Gail

[Daniel Cadieux]

Will, this is rather beautiful! Very dramatic, and lots of good action. Nicely done.

[Arthur Morris]

Killer dramatic, great EXP, and I love the circle of drops. If the bird had had its hear turned just a bit more away from you the face and bill would have been better lit. IAC, a spectacular image.

with love, artie

[Arthur Morris]

I would try to separate the black portion of the bill from the black BG as it gets lost a bit.
Gail

Hi Gail, How would you attempt to do that?
with love, artie

[annmpacheco]

Hi Will, wow factor for sure! Unique take off with the spin of the water, one leg and the gorgeous black BG! IQ terrific, I like it!

[William Dickson]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

Will

[William Dickson]

Hi Gail, How would you attempt to do that?
with love, artie

If there is a way, I would love to know...

Will

[William Dickson]

I tried, by selecting the bill and adding 12pt Sat...

[Bill Dix]

Great looking, dynamic capture. Repost helps the minor nit mentioned by Gail. In addition to the pose and the circle of drops, I like the hint of reflected red from the foot, at the bottom of the frame.

[William Dickson]

Great looking, dynamic capture. Repost helps the minor nit mentioned by Gail. In addition to the pose and the circle of drops, I like the hint of reflected red from the foot, at the bottom of the frame.

Thanks for that Bill