Ring-billed Gulls were diving for little crabs while the tide came in at the Nisqually Nat'l Wildlife Refuge on Friday (the 5th). Early morning sun was behind me (before 8a), so I thought I had perfect lighting.
I had my camera set on Tv with a shutter speed of 1/1600, the other settings were automatically set (f/5.6, ISO 160). Histogram says that the photo is both a little under- and over-exposed (bird's belly is too white, rest of photo is too dark).
I like that I caught the gull right before it hit the water - his focus is intensely on the crab he is seeing below the surface. I like the bit of old piling to the left, the blue of the water and the white reflection of the bird.
I don't like that the photo is darkish and the bird is a bit blown out. I wish the focus was more crisp. (Note: The focus is sharper on my computer than it is on this blog - why is that?)
Canon Rebel T3i, 300mm lens
Canon Rebel T3i, 300mm lens
I think you're being too hard on yourself. I think the picture is spectacular! Of course, I haven't a clue as to what would have kept the gull from washing out but 1/1600 is pretty fast. If it was 1/1000, would it have been easier to balance it? I don't know. I love the pic though. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks, O.S. - I've never tried shooting a flying bird at 1/1000 - perhaps I would have gotten some of the blurred motion that Barbra likes so well.
DeleteThis is a great shot. I really like the reflection and the piling. If you click on the picture the full screen version is much more in focus. Great job.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Steve (and that's good to know about the focus thing)
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