Kathleen Sewell
November 2025 - Food Fight
About the Image(s)
During an early stroll along the beach, I came across these two gulls fighting for a washed up clam. I’m not quite sure who was winning at this point!
Sony ~ a1
Focal length ~ 245mm
SS ~ 1/1600
F stop ~ f 14
ISO ~ 2000
Raised light and contrast, added a little texture and denoise. Also removed small distractions in the sand foreground.
9 comments posted
I love scenes like that, Kathleen. Birds in interaction. The situation changes with every second, so you must be able to make a serial shot about at least 10-15 photos. Try it out, if you have the time and the patient. It is better to throw away 10 pictures of 11 but to have not the right one. I really do not know, how this story continued, but I woulöd have been interested in! Posted: 11/08/2025 17:01:34
Thanks for your suggestion, Peter. I do use continuous drive mode particularly when shooting birds and, in this instance, I selected the image I liked best. Posted: 11/11/2025 21:39:36
Kathleen, this is a visually engaging image for sure - a gull caught mid-gesture with wings fully outstretched. The symmetry of the pose gives it a sense of power and presence. That said, it takes a moment to decipher what's happening, as the head position and slightly awkward stance disrupt the immediate visual flow. Usually I think such images present better when the viewer can clearly see the face of the subjects
Having said that, there's definite energy here - the wings convey strength, and the pose feels expressive, almost anthropomorphic. The beach setting provides natural context, though it lacks a strong emotional hook or environmental storytelling element beyond the moment itself.
The image feels spontaneous and well-timed, but it borders on documentary rather than interpretive so I question how well it would do in a competition. Nonetheless, a very good capture and a great perspective
Posted: 11/08/2025 19:55:48
Having said that, there's definite energy here - the wings convey strength, and the pose feels expressive, almost anthropomorphic. The beach setting provides natural context, though it lacks a strong emotional hook or environmental storytelling element beyond the moment itself.
The image feels spontaneous and well-timed, but it borders on documentary rather than interpretive so I question how well it would do in a competition. Nonetheless, a very good capture and a great perspective
Posted: 11/08/2025 19:55:48
I'm pleased you liked the outstretched wings and symmetry. Your insightful comments are always appreciated and helpful. It would have been nice to have more clarity in the gulls faces to show their emotion. That being said, I personally am fine at times with an image that gives the viewer an opportunity to wonder and imagine how the story unfolds. :) Posted: 11/11/2025 21:56:07
You tried your best to capture this dynamic moment. It's too unfortunate that birds are covering each other. Next time you should go with Peter's advice to take serial shots. Posted: 11/09/2025 12:10:40
I enjoyed seeing your gull's interaction. I do use continuous drive mode when I shoot birds and I liked the image I selected, particularly their full body connection in their tussle for food. Art is subjective in many ways. :) Posted: 11/11/2025 21:45:06
I concur with all the great comments about this photograph. I tried to use a lot of local exposure adjustments to bring out the birds face interactions. Posted: 11/10/2025 18:16:56
Posted: 11/10/2025 18:21:57
I appreciate your efforts to bring out more expression in the gulls faces. Posted: 11/11/2025 21:47:24