Northern Gannet LAST LIGHT

Very intriguing Gannet shot, with a distinctive composition. As others have said, the pose is great and the color tone is really beautiful as well. The cloud highlights and restriction on flash make for challenging lighting, but I think I can go with it as presented. The bright spots (especially upper right) catch the eye, but the detail on the bird always brings me back to the face and wings. I would tend to leave the bright spots and not try to de-emphasize them for another reason. Without them the over-all tone becomes a lot more cold, which isn't how I think of Gannets. The bird's head & neck coloring isn't enough to counter the lavender/blue without some help from the clouds.

Anyway, I think in a large format print it would work a lot better than what can be experienced with the web-sized posting. Thumbs up!

Beautiful image Chris!! The pose & bg are awesome. I agree with the others who wish the bird was a bit brighter.

Chris,

This is a killer shot. I think not using a flash and getting the lighting as you did makes it that much better.

Nice shot with interesting light but could be a bit brighter! It does seem to have only one foot...

Chris
I've looked at this one a couple of times. The more I view it....the more I like it. I wouldn't change anything about it.

the soft touch really works here!! the sky is super as well ! :) :)

This is awesome!

Awesome, Chris!
Love that sky bg ...

:) :) The colors and position are AWESOME!!! WOWOWIE! THANK YOU!!! San Diego Deb

Chris, this is powerful. Congratulations!

Wow, great picture, the bird and its pose are excellent, the BG fits the subject.

Incredible image overall, Chris. The colour, BG and flight are just superb.