Seagull at the Park

[Nicole Hanna]

They are my latest fascination. Most people around these parts consider them a terrible nuisance, but there's nothing more relaxing than sitting at the pier and watching them move.

How does the composition work in this photo? I'm aware of the Rule of Thirds philosophy, and that wasn't my intent when I took the shot, in all honesty...I was just happy to catch the bugger without a blur... and, admittedly, I just liked the ripples.

With post processing, my intent was to highlight the bird with the bright water, and highlight the reflection with the dark water, creating what I'd hoped was a nice balance between the two. Did I achieve this well?

Any pointers, or other suggestions, are always appreciated. Thanks!

Shot was taken at dusk. Converted to black and white in Photoscape with a cross-processed effect. Be forewarned... though I love receiving all the post-processing tips I can get, I am WOEFULLY inefficient at Photoshop or Lightroom programs. Layer? What's that? If I can't hit one button to get the effect I like, then I'm a hopelessly lost cause. In this case, it was two buttons, but still...

Nikon D90
Aperture f/4.5
Shutter speed 1/640
Focal Length 90mm
ISO 200

[Steve Atkins]

The post work you did really makes this a beautiful photo.

I think the separation between the bird and its reflection helps to keep the eye intrigued, and it really makes the seagull look much better than they usually do!

[Nicole Hanna]

Thank you so much, Steve! Lately it's been a personal mission of mine to photograph seagulls in such a manner that what was once considered a loud and obnoxious nuisance can be seen as something beautiful. They are currently my favorite subject. I do believe they are even prettier than the swans.

I appreciate the feedback. Lets me know I'm on the right track!