I am not sure this is my best shot 2004, I don´t want to sound arrogant but there are literally dozens or even hundreds of shots I could have chosen from.
However, this is one that is the most memorable to me and the shot that I am most proud that I took since it´s so different from what I normally shoot. I have never before or after seen swans act this way. We were on summer vacation at Akureyri and decided to go out for a walk with our then 20 months year old son to go feed the ducks at a local pond. It was fun, and while they were throwing bread to the ducks and swans and seagulls I was taking pictures and all of a sudden these two swans just out of the blue bite down on this seagull like they were trying to eat it. He seemed to struggle for his life and I instinctively just started snapping away, getting about 5-6 shots and this is the last one in the series, and the most powerful one in my opinion because I at least see the desperation in the eyes of the seagull as he is trying to get away. Moments later they let him go and he flew away, seemingly unscathed but I was pretty shocked and have never since looked upon swans the same way.
Anyway, used ambient lighting. I didn´t frame this well, I know it´s a bit tight. The seagull was in the dead center of the original and there were lots of room to the bottom and the right so I felt the need to crop it heavily but it´s otherwise untouched unless you count white balance and contrast+sharpness.
On a side note it is taken at my wifes birthday.
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Place: 271 out of 530 Avg (all users): 5.5976 Avg (commenters): 7.6667 Avg (participants): 5.5796 Avg (non-participants): 5.6506 Views since voting: 2099 Views during voting: 494 Votes: 328 Comments: 13 Favorites: 3 (view)
I can't believe this didn't place higher. I think people were traumatized by the subject and didn't vote according to the quality of the photo. I was horrified, but amazed at the same time when I came across this one during the voting process. My mother has always told me that swans are vicious, but this was the first time I'd seen proof.
I was one of the 6 who gave this image a 10 and I'm truly saddened that so many others felt they had to vote it down. It's a brilliant capture worthy of National Geographic (at least).
Powerful and emotive shot. Well seen and captured. Though I don't (and suspect most others) care to see animals in harm's way, it is nature and it's balance. Well Done. ((7))
holy smokes! how do you just happen upon things like this? and dontcha just love being able to nail the image when the opportunity strikes? simply incredible. thanks for sharing. i just hope this doesn't get lost in the shuffle of this huge challenge. good luck!
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