Sweet Bird, Sweet Colors

Arthur Morris · Sep 28, 2011

Western-Gull-head-sweet-light-bill-clean-up-_MG_3355---Morro-Bay,-CA.jpg

Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Adobe Photoshop CS5 Windows

This adult Western Gull head portrait was created on my first visit to Morro Bay in January 2008. I will be returning in late March this year.

Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the EOS-50D. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1 1/3 stops: 1/250 sec. at f/8. Fill flash at -2 stops with the Better Beamer.

This was one of my favorite situations; subject in shade, background (the inlet) in sun with some nice reflections. Add light and fill flash (not always needed) and things can wind up looking sweet.

Small crop top and left with lots of bill clean-up.

Don't be shy: all comments welcome.

dankearl · Sep 28, 2011

The eye does it for me.
I think the BG could be darkened a bit for a better effect.
The Nike swoosh is a plus.

gail bisson · Sep 28, 2011

Very nice portrait. Comp is excellent. I find the BG a tiny bit bright and would reduce the brightness a tiny little bit!Love the eye,
Gail

Arthur Morris · Sep 28, 2011

Took me a while to figure out the Nike swoosh comment but when I did it put a smile on my face :S3:

Cheryl Arena Molennor · Sep 28, 2011

Sweet as fareekin pie. Love the technique and results. I see the Nike , took me a while too.

Mital Patel · Sep 29, 2011

Am stunned with this capture. In a matter of fact i say i love the Glowing BG as the off white vert band really complimenting the head well to separation.

Three cheers Guru.

Stu Bowie · Sep 29, 2011

Brilliant whites on the Gull Artie, and you are a master at HA's. The exposure and pastel colours of the BG are simply amazing.

Nancy Bell · Sep 29, 2011

For me, this is a Classic Artie bird portrait! Clean & perfect. Finding that Nike swoosh was a bit like finding Waldo :S3:!

Ron Sprunger · Sep 29, 2011

I've been giving this one some thought since I first saw it last night. It's a spectacular image, and to my eye the bright background is perfectly done. That stunningly white bird couldn't stand out from the BG better if the BG were black. Once again the master has spoken. It's gorgeous.