Swallow-tailed Gull

[Rhys Marsh]

Hi all,

Would love your thoughts on this portrait of a Swallow-tailed Gull from Isla Genovesa, Galapagos. This is a fascinating bird with a unique (at least among gulls, as far as I'm aware) red eye ring that ostensibly aids in the bird's night vision as it is a nocturnal hunter. It was amazing to be able to see the reflection of the sky in it bulbous eye. Thanks!



Canon 7D
EF 70-200 f/4.0L IS USM w/ 1.4x Extender II
ISO 100
f/5.6 1/250
Handheld
No flash

[Randy Stout]

Rhys:

Your image shows off the eye ring very well, sharp, well exposed overall, perhaps a smidge hot on the lores.

The head looks just a bit turned away. I might consider slightly lowering the luminosity of the white patch in the BG under the bill, it does compete slightly with the bird.

Cheers

Randy

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Rhys, excellent detail on the gull, tack sharp, and as Randy stated, the red eye ring stands out so well against the grey plumage. The eye reminds me of a spirit level bubble. Another vote for toning down the whiter area of the BG.

[Rhys Marsh]

I finally got around to incorporating some of your comments and am curious what you think of the repost. I reduced the brightness of the area below the bill, and also reprocessed the image to try to get more detail out of the eye and slightly more from the whites of the lores and breast. There is somewhat more color in this version - I'm also curious if you like the original or repost better in this regard. Thanks again for the comments!