California Gull, landing or taking off?

[Brendan Dozier]

Taken back one February morning, and don't remember if this gull was landing or taking off. Like the pose and pretty sure I was laying on the sand for the low angle.
Rotated, crop, ACR, CS5, some sand & background clean-up.

7D, EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM +2.0x, Hand-held
1/3200
5.6
ISO 400

C & C welcome & appreciated,

- Brendan

[Ron Sprunger]

I'd say you nailed this guy. Good-looking beach and BG, HA and the eye are perfect. Looks like you held the whites pretty dang well with the possible exception of the leading edge of the right wing. I love the wing position and action. I vote for takeoff, as he looks just ready to push off with the left foot.

[Karl Egressy]

Great pose captured.

[Thanaboon Jearkjirm]

Very good sharpness and amazing white details, this image really give me the 3D effect of the gull. I vote for take off too.

[gail bisson]

Love the pano crop and the little rocks on the beach.
Gail

[Luis Villablanca]

To me it looks like it's landing. Love the composition, lighting and low angle.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I love the clean beach and the scattered pebbles. Techs look good. I do wish the near wing was open more though.

[Stu Bowie]

Well exposed Brendan, with good underwing detail. Lovely eye, and the whites pop nicely against the sea BG. If this were mine, I would add a touch more to the bottom of the image.

[Jim Crosswell]

Nice image Brendan! I like the details, sharpness and beach scene.

[Brendan Dozier]

Thanks for the comments & suggestions folks!