Trying not to get sucked in

[Krijn Trimbos]

Some weeks ago Jasper and I got to spend some time with a lot of Herring Gulls. Not the coolest of species but they do show a lot of different behavior as they are generalists and basically get all the food they can get. During the end of the day the gull colony/group tried for starfishes. They would sit on a rock almost completely covered in water and would wait for the smalle waves to wash in some starfishes. Though sometimes they succeeded most of the time they got sucked into the vortex that was the result of the larger waves moving over the rocks, with this shot as a result. I know this is not the most conventional shot, but I thought it worked because of the behavior, head/light angle and the waves/vortex. I wish the gull was a little closer to the vortex though.

What do you think? Does this shot work?

Canon EOS 30D 1/2000 f8 Manual
ISO 400
Canon EF300mm F2.8L USM + 1.4 Converter

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great behavior captured and I like the pose, water patterns and eye contact. Thanks for the explanation.

[Robert O'Toole]

I like it Krijin, it does appear that it is being sucked under, the image BG info is interesting! thanks for sharing.

Comp works for this situation.

Robert

[Ramon M. Casares]

Very nice! love the pose, the look on the bird's face and the techs! Congratualitons!!

[Juan Aragonés]

It works for me Krijn. The light, action, sharpness, eye contact and wing position are very good and I do like your idea a lot. Very well seen