Bathing Laughing GullBathing Laughing Gull – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light, not baited

I photographed this adult Laughing Gull in breeding plumage while it bathed in the shallow waters of a tidal lagoon at Fort De Soto’s north beach a few years ago. I liked the action, the splashing water and how the flared wing tips appear to fan over the face of the gull.

Some people may not like that the eye is slightly obscured by the one feather that goes through the bird’s eye but I do. In fact I know that a few other bird photographers didn’t care for this photo on an image critique forum. Oddly enough those same photographers thought their photos of birds flying away without a view of the eyes at all were acceptable and or visually appealing. Go figure.

As a bird and wildlife photographer I find it important to have eye contact with my subjects; preferably with catch lights, but as with any rule in photography there are exceptions. Sometimes you should break those rules.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Laughing Gull photos plus facts and information about this species.