Fishing

[Stu Bowie]

This gull was picking up the scraps thrown over from a fishing boat. This was taken in a small harbour on our way down to the most southern point of Africa. The colour of the sea was as shot. On most good days, one can see rays swimming in the water.

Canon 50D
100-400 @ 400mm
1/2000
F/6.3
ISO 400

Exp Comp +0.33
Hand Held.

[Randy Stout]

Stuart:

The water color is great, trail of water drops and food item.
The whites on the leading edge of the wing and top of head are perhaps a little hot.

I like the feel that he is climbing out of the water with his food, and the low placement in the frame strengthens that impression. I do find myself wanting just a sliver more room below however, and you might try a version with a bit more below. Then decide which tells your story better.

Cheers

Randy

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the fishing action and droplets and agree with Randy that it would be nice to see the point of impact if you have it. The light looks a bit harsh, I would tone down the whites a bit more, especially on the wings.

[Stu Bowie]

Randy, Axel, thanks a stack for your feedback. I had plenty room all round, so here is my repost with the point of impact below. Whites toned down too.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the composition! The whites could still go a bit darker for my taste.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the composition in the repost. Well done Stuart.

[jfranciskay]

Wow, love the color of that water! I really like to composition of the re-post. Much better. Agree with the highlights still being too hot. Overall a very compelling shot.

[Gloria Hopkins]

Second comp works for me too. I really love the fierce expression and the drama. This is exciting all the way around. Seems a tad hot on the head, but with this shot, who cares? Lovely. Just FANTASTIC.

[denise ippolito]

Stuart, Great action shot. Agree w/ Axel on the whites. Water color rocks! The splash is a nice addition.

[Arthur Morris]

There is a healthy smattering of overexposed pixels. The COMP with the splash is a huge improvement over the OP.... Huge.

[Steve Canuel]

Welcome back Stuart. Hope you had a nice holiday and wishing you an HNY. I like the angle of the gull, color of the water, and the splashing droplets from his dive.

[Aidan Briggs]

Hey Stuart, long time no see. That is one green ocean. The repost is miles better IMO. I do agree on the whites though. Nice underwing detail, splash and prey item.

Keep them coming!!

[Hendri Venter]

Top shot Stu. I like the water colour, flight angle and droplets.

[Peter Farrell]

Great action shot, I can only echo the previous positive comments.

[Morkel Erasmus]

hey Stu - lovely moment and agree that the repost is a huge improvement composition-wise and that the whites can still go darker.

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a stack for the feedback and comments. Much appreciated.

[Vida van der Walt]

Happy, happy 2010 Stu!:) Excellent shot. Love the turquoise colour of the water, great angle, catch, water drops and the bird is pin sharp. Also prefer the comp in the repost.:)

[Stu Bowie]

Thank you so much Vida, much appreciated.