Gull stare

[Paul Burdett]

I've been editing some of the Silver Gull photos taken recently. Here's another one.
7Dii, 100-400@400mm, 1/2000th sec, f5.6, iso640, manual mode hand-held. Feedback always appreciated and acted upon. Cheers.

[David Roach]

This is my favorite! Like the EXP, SH and details. DOF was perfect for getting that face. TFS

[arash_hazeghi]

I like the head on view with both eyes symmetric and visible but I'm finding the crop awkward. maybe a vertical with the lower part of the bird visible too or a tighter head shot?

TFS

[Paul Burdett]

Hi David. Thanks so much.
Arash. Yes...I wasn't sure about the crop either. I do have other shots of the whole bird with the feather display so will edit them and also try a tighter head shot. Cheers.

[Arthur Morris]

Love the eyes and the stare and this image design works for me but I surely would have been doing some verticals :)

with love, artie

[Paul Burdett]

Thanks Artie. Post-processing vertical crop or portrait orientation at the scene?

[Daniel Cadieux]

I love the menacing "down-the-barrel" look. Whites look good. Comp is ok-ish, but yes, taking some verticals at the scene is something to always keep in your backpocket of techniques.

[dankearl]

I feel the same about the crop. I love the head and the eyes, but the oof feathers at the bottom
seem awkward for such a sharp photo.

[gail bisson]

I agree 100% with Arash re: the comp. I would try a tighter face only if you have enough pixels to maintain IQ but if not then I would make this a true vertical.
Whites look good!
Gail

[Paul Burdett]

Thank you Daniel, Dan & Gail. There are enough pixels for a tighter crop, but I'll aim for verticals in a similar situation in future. Cheers.