Martys Loc: Lubec, Maine

Early morning sunlight back lights gulls in flight around Sail Rock in the Gulf of Maine at Quoddy Head State Park, Lubec, ME,
I set up for this composition and waited for almost 45 minutes before exposing a series this image was selected from.

This image was set up using a method I quite frequently use when photo opportunities are minimal.
I look for a pleasing subject somewhere in my surroundings,....I then frame an image in my viewfinder that I think might make a strong composition.
I adjust the focus to my best guess-timation,...also the exposure settings I want,...I lock my tripod tight,..... attach a remote wireless shutter release to the camera,.........and I now wait............

What I am waiting and watching for is migrating birds, gulls or cormorants to fly into or thru my composition,...."hopefully",.. in a pleasing location to give me a strong image?
My eye doesn't have to be glued to the viewfinder,...I can get comfortable,..have a snack or even be talking to someone,....but I am constantly looking toward the subject area visually, my finger on the release...waiting for that moment in my composition,..when it occurs,..I press the shutter release making an exposure. I end up with a variety of images, all different,...No guarantees,...theres just your willingness to commit a bit of time,..stay with it and see what transpires.
It sounds improbable,... but my averages are actually quite good. Yes I get skunked occasionally or over stay a location sometimes,...but,...hey,...a bad day taking photos is better than a good day in the office,..right????

Summing it up...............
I try to pay attention to everything around me when I'm photographing outdoors,...all birds,.....gulls, cormorants, ducks, geese, eagles, terns and such,...seals,...schools of porpoise,... seas and tides,...currents, wave patterns,...sea swells,...prevailing wind directions. Over time I've gained a small tidbit of familiarity with some of this movement and behavior. This knowledge leads to a certain amount of probability,...which is in your favor.
It is interesting how predictable nature and wildlife behavior can be,...and yes probability of luck enters into the equation also.

Lastly and most importantly is the light,...
This is, after all,...the real subject in all our images. Without it we are all out of business,....end of story.
I try to pay attention to its quality, the time of day, predictable use of it. We all know that midday sunlight is usually not the best choice. Early morning light or late afternoon light is often the most desirable,...the golden light,...warm tonal values, directional and dramatic, desirable and captivating it adds that unique difference.

Variations and exceptions always apply and mileage may vary.
Most of all have fun,....I do.
Martys



Nikon D300, on tripod, 500mm, 1/1000 @ f16 ISO 200

Early morning sunlight back lights gulls in flight around Sail Rock in the Gulf of Maine at Quoddy Head State Park, Lubec, ME

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

It sure catches my eye. The dark center mass with gulls lit up lightly through it. The waters mark both near and far are captivating to the eye also.

Great for the wait right ?

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Martys Loc: Lubec, Maine

Great for the wait right ?

In this image it was worth the wait,....
I've had some nice results doing this with images of fishing boats, sunrises, fog scenes and seascapes too.

Gulls always follow fishing boats looking for a handout,....
Some gulls don't like other gulls perching on their favorite spot,...or just like chasing other gulls for sport.

Cormorants are neat to try and catch because they fly in close formation with their wing tips touch or almost touch the water each time they flap their wings.

Eagles have favorite perching locations and often return to the same spot for weeks on end if not more.

Geese can usually be heard squawking well before you see them.

Little things like that become predictable.
Martys

Archy Loc: Lake Hamilton, Florida

:thumbup:

mdeman Loc: Damascus, Maryland

Personally, I think this can be enhanced a lot by lightening shadows about 40% and darkening highlights about 20%. Then use dodge tool set for highlights and hit the birds on the rock. But just my opinion.

Composition looks good.

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

The rock - in a minds eye altered perspective - could almost be a runway - tapering as it goes out to sea - with the BIF launching over it - - -
-
nice :)

I like all the points of light on the waves :)

Martys Loc: Lubec, Maine

in a minds eye altered perspective - could almost be a runway - tapering as it goes out to sea - with the BIF launching over it - - -

Yes,.....I can see that altered perspective,...neat seeing thru someone elses eyes.
I like that observation.
I remember as a kid, seeing the clouds in particular evening sunsets as distant islands and peninsulas in an unending far away ocean. Nice memories you brought to mind in your interpretation,...thanks.
Martys