Composition With Bird and Speedy Tidal Bore

A 'Tidal Bore' can race up a tidal river and tear the trees off banks, or it

can be more lazy here and create a small, winding wave, as it has here

on the Elkhorn Slough at California's Moss Landing. I had previously

seen such a phenomenon and when I saw this one coming, I

incorporated its 's' curve into the composition as it frightened this 'gull'

into flight. Your ratings and critiques are invited and most welcome. If

you rate harshly or very critically, please submit a helpful and

constructive comment; please share your superior photographic

knowledge to help improve my photography. Thanks! Enjoy! John

The curve adds context to the composition and in this case it helps to tell a story. Rendering this in B&W is a good choice because it focuses on the action taking place without the distraction of color. The flipping wings, especially the blurred left one suggesting motion along with the extended legs and tail are dynamic elements that engage us.

You should see this one blown up -- it's just great.

 

And like 'street' -- I shoot birds for the sport of thinking on my feet w9th greatly heavy lenses -- tests strength to hold and then focus and catch a composition like this with something as rare as a 'tidal bore' -- something 99% of the world's populatoin never has knowingly seen, much less me until that particular day.

 

(People maybe even argue that I saw one since it was so teeny, but it wasn't caused by boats and swept the entire slough -- no other explanatoin.)

 

Best to you Adan.

 

I love the compositoin of this one -- taken 'on the fly' -- with only one chance.

 

And on blowup, it's better.

 

;~)

 

John (Crosley)

Funny I tried to capture birds by the sea last Sunday and couldn't get a good shot. This one adds to my frustration. I like the movement suggested by the waves, how is it possible to compose with the waves and the bird, the 2 subjects that are moving so fast ? (especially the bird). Admiration...

Thanks for the 'admiration'.

 

To compound your frustration, this is not an ordinary 'wave'. It is a wave from a 'tidal bore' (look it up in Wikipedia or in google.com).

 

I saw it coming across a placid slough and captured it as it 'reflected' off the shore, adding to its complex 's' curve shape, which startled this gull. Instead of sweeping away shoreside trees, this was a very, very small tidal bore, and the first I have ever recognized.

 

I never saw one before or since. But I composed this one 'on the fly' so to speak.

 

I shoot birds when I don't shoot people, because everything's dynamic -- so I don't get bored.

 

But don't envy -- you surely do many things I can't do at all, and do them well.

 

Things I'd envy if I knew enough to appreciate them.

 

Best.

 

John (Crosley)