Ring billed gull( 1st winter) portrait

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

40D. 300 f4L at f/4.5. iso 320. 1/2500s.

with the pink bills and dark eyes, the 1st winter RGB looks very nice IMO. This one was very close to the bank. I wish the head was lit but when it moved into light, I did not get the same HA.

All C&C welcome.

[Randy Stout]

Kaustubh:

A lovely bird, soft BG, nice head angle.
It is a challenge to make this type of image really sing if the face isn't well lit. Did you try any dodging to bring it up a bit?
There is quite a pin point catchlight, did you use flash?

Cheers

Randy

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Randy, yes. fill flash was used. forgot to mention. I didn't go any dodging. Fill flash and some curves work.

[Aidan Briggs]

Hey KD, I love Ring-billed Gulls, and you have quite a collection! Perfect exposure, sharpness, and comp. I love the water color and low angle. For the head, I might select it with a QM and raise the mid-tones. It looks like the head also has a blue cast from being in the shade. If you want, you could try a warming filter, or desaturate the blues on the head some.

Well Done!

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Beautiful bird, gorgeous bg and fantastic IQ as usual.
Agree with the blue cast on the head.
Thanks for sharing.

[denise ippolito]

Kaustubh, Good suggestions already given. I like the pose and the soft colors.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Good comp and low angle. Perfect HA too. Too bad about the shadow and cast on the face. I would also tone down the brightest whites on the neck - although not clipped, they are very hot and jump out.

BTW Ring-billed Gulls are one of the most common birds in our parts (except in winter). I find them quite beautiful and very entertaining - one of my favorites to photograph!:cool:

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

BTW Ring-billed Gulls are one of the most common birds in our parts (except in winter).

Daniel, they are very common here too...but only in the winter :-)

Thx everyone for all the suggestions. Always appreciated.

[Stu Bowie]

Kaus, I like the soft light and pastel colours, and you have captured great detail on the gull. Good to see the water reflection cast on the gull.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Yeah, the dodging may work a bit KD. Nice looking bird and wonderful close-up. You did say the lack of light. :( Still good mate. :)