Winter Ring-billed Gull – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 1000, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I enjoy photographing birds on a background of snow in bright or low light because the birds stand out well against the whiteness of the snow. The whiteness of the snow enhances the focus of the viewer on the subject.
This past January I spent a lot of time photographing birds at a pond close to home, I photographed ducks, cormorants, geese, coots and gulls quite often even when the snow was falling heavily. The birds are used to having humans in close proximity and are less skittish than they might be elsewhere so they make great subjects to observe and photograph closer than I might be able to photograph them anywhere else. Using a vehicle as a mobile blind works great there and it keeps me warmer than I would have been standing outside in the snow.
I photographed this adult Ring-billed Gull last winter at my local pond and loved the snow in the frame, the muted colors of the gull’s plumage and the pops of color in the eye and bill of the gull. The snow was falling softly at the time I photographed the gull and the light was low due to a thick cloud cover overhead.
This Ring-billed photo might not be every one’s cup of tea but I enjoy looking at it and remembering the snow falling on my hands as I clicked the shutter button and how the snow seemed to muffle the sounds of the city.
Life is good.
Mia
WHAT a beauty. As we move (faster than I like) into the sweaty season the snow sings to me as well.
Beautiful portrait of this handsome bird…I like how the simple off-white background brings out the subtle colors of the bird…