Peter Dominowski  


Laughing Gull On The Wing by Peter Dominowski

May 2021 - Laughing Gull On The Wing

About the Image(s)

I was at the beach at Fort DeSoto looking to photograph birds in flight. I had literally just turned on my camera when this Laughing Gull flew directly toward me. Even though this was the first shot on my card, I was fortunate enough to have guessed the exposure reasonably well.

Fort DeSoto State Park, near St. Petersburg Florida
Nikon D850 with 400mm f/2.8 Nikon prime lens
ISO 1250
1/2000 @ f 6.3
Handheld


This round’s discussion is now closed!
9 comments posted




Judy Haran   Judy Haran
These fast gulls are so hard to get. The wingspread has a nice reflection of light along the edge. Those black eyes are always difficult, somehow I would like to see them closer, or with some glint.   Posted: 05/06/2021 12:26:21
Peter Dominowski   Peter Dominowski
I agree with you, Judy...I've found it next to impossible to get a catch light in the eyes of a gull (but that won't stop me from trying again and again :)!   Posted: 05/06/2021 12:31:26



Sherry Icardi   Sherry Icardi
Nice gull, not seen one in South Florida yet, but I spend ,most of my time in the Wetlands, not the beach. It is rare to see a Gull there. Trying to balance the black eye with the eye ring has got to be difficult, and first out of the gate ...not sure I could have managed to get the exposure that good.

When I first started using a prime lens....it took me fifteen minutes just to find my target, I have since learned to bring the camera to my eye which is already on the bird....what a steep learning curve.

How do you like the 400 2.8? I shy away from the heavy lens since I can't hold them steady enough (but not sure the weight of that lens). I have the 500pf which is a manageable size for me. For birds in flight I most often use my Sony 7R4 and 100-400 lens. The AF is much more responsive and really nails the eyes.

Overall perfect symmetry and beautiful wingspan. Nice catch!   Posted: 05/06/2021 13:34:00
Peter Dominowski   Peter Dominowski
Thank you, Sherry! Full disclosure: I had been shooting at another beach location so I was fortunate to have the exposure triangle nailed down when I took the first shot on this card.

I LOVE my 400mm f2.8!!! It's an incredibly sharp lens. With it, and my D850, if I take a poor photo, I know that it's all my fault, not the equipment...I like that level of accountability.

I'm a big guy so holding it is not too much of an issue, although I must admit that since I had both knees replaced last year, I'm not as steady as I used to be, so I try to brace against a post, a wall, a rock, or anything that's handy if possible.   Posted: 05/06/2021 17:07:06



Sarita Yeola   Sarita Yeola
Peter,
Great photo of the gull! Birds in flight are challenging and you got this just right. I have not been able to keep them in focus with my 500pF and without support it just seems impossible for me. Really admire this photograph!   Posted: 05/07/2021 12:48:11
Peter Dominowski   Peter Dominowski
Thank you, Sarita, that is so kind of you to say!   Posted: 05/07/2021 14:29:32



 
Great photo Peter! What I have tried thousands of times, you made look easy. I have yet to capture the contrasting black and white of a bufflehead in camera this clean. When I finely get it right, this group will defiantly see it.   Posted: 05/09/2021 17:39:41
Peter Dominowski   Peter Dominowski
Thank you very much, Mark. I'll be the first to admit that I took some shots before and after this one that were under or over exposed. But I was pretty pleased with this one!   Posted: 05/09/2021 18:51:13
Peter Dominowski   Peter Dominowski
Thank you very much, Mark. I'll be the first to admit that I took some shots before and after this one that were under or over exposed. But I was pretty pleased with this one!   Posted: 05/10/2021 08:26:58