This was taken on f8 at 1/2500 with the ISO pushed up to 500. It was taken on my Canon 5D Mk111 with a Tamron 150-600. The gull was some way from me (thank goodness) as I was standing on the beach and the result is somewhat grainy. This is not a sharp lens at the best of times. However, I still like the image and the power of nature it reflects. I love the light on the little gull juxtaposed against the fury of the wave. To further accentuate this, I used curves in post processing and further darkened the already dark sky and water. I then lifted the highlights just a little to accentuate the contrasting light on the white of the gull and the part of the wave below. And finally to even further accentuate the contrast, I lifted the wave just a little by using transform. And finally, finally, I added a vignette.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 6 comments posted
Hi Valerie,
Yes you sure have captured the power of nature with this
rolling sea and gorgeous wave.
I think the grain suits the image too.
I am unable to enlarge this on my screen but there appears to be a central column ,2 visible lines ... starting on left by the gull wing and ending on the right as the wave lifts . It may be an editing artefact from a mask ?
Very pleasant artistic image and mono really suits.
Posted: 10/06/2019 11:31:23
A great photo, well edited - but I don't know what to think of the line that comes on the left down the center of the gull and on the right, to the bottom of the wave? It seems too straightly chiseled to be rain. If you did it in editing, I would take it out. Posted: 10/16/2019 23:22:20
Judith Lesnaw
The contrast between the surge and power of that wave with the grace of the gull is wonderful. The B&W rendition works perfectly. What is the grey square center top of the image? There are two darker squares flanking it. What are they? I gives the appearance of an image stitched together. Posted: 10/20/2019 12:57:12
Hi all....sorry, a case of more haste less speed! I hadn't completed the transform layer and that is what you are seeing. Was in a hurry and thought I'd done it previously. Thanks for the positive comments. Val Posted: 10/20/2019 15:19:30
Hi Valerie, You captured the power and motion of the wave well, I love the mist action. I also like the backlighting on the feathers of the gull. I had the same questions as the others on the column and I see that you answered it. The monotone image adds to the power of the image, emphasizing the spray of the water. I rented the Tamron 150 to 600 once to photograph a kite festival. I liked it, but found it a bit heavy. I shot the kites hand held, but plan to use a good tripod the next time. Posted: 10/22/2019 23:31:23
Karl Leck
Hi Valerie, I liked the image for the feeling and composition. It is nature in motion. Great composition and flow with water and gull moving left to right. I agree with others about the vertical light/dark demarcations. Nice tonality. The light vignetting helps. Karl Posted: 10/24/2019 09:27:22
