Florida Seagull on the Beach

[shadowwolf32]

Here's a new sumbission. This has been dropped and color adjusted in PSP. Looking forward to your critiques!

[inkista]

I like that you've managed to fill the frame with the gull and that it's properly focused and he's got this intent little expression on his face.

The only problem for me is that the deep, sharp shadows in the sand are kind of attention-grabbing and that the gull's eyes are in shadow--there's not quite enough contrast between the bird and the background. Maybe using a wider aperture to get the photo more focused on the bird, or shooting from a lower vantage point to get a less-busy background might have helped (depends on what was in the background. )

Gulls are terrific subjects because they'll get so close you don't need a really long lens to get 'em.

[jiminyClickit]

shadowwolf32,

Your Flickr shots indicate you like to center subjects. At first that seems intuitively to be a desirable attribute for a photo. Studies from as far back as Art was first found to be a "thing" show that humans don't process a centered subject the same as one placed in a more carefully considered area of a composition. People will say "give your subject room to breathe," or "leave space in front of a moving subject to allow for that movement." You will find this gull will take on a more natural look and feel if you allow more room overhead, underfoot, and to the right, his direction of movement. More difficult, but also important would be to get the light on his front when possible.

A good shot, nonetheless.

[shadowwolf32]

Thank you both for your insights! The points you've made have hit home and I've learned from them

[jiminyClickit]

shadowwolf32,

On Flickr, #557 (bird against green water surface), even centered it's a gorgeous color, very good shot.

[shadowwolf32]

Thanks for the comp! Definately helps to inspire while I learn more, and with the DPS resources and help here in the forums I am learning: slowly but surely.