I think this misses the mark a bit as I don't think this composition works. From the format you present I assume there is more to this shot under this gull. I'd try adding a bit more water underneath and cropping this into a portrait format to capture the action better. I think all the water on the right is really not needed and as is you're too far from the action. With the 40D's pixels, the tighter crop will probably not cause a problem. A good capture of the moment however!

good timing.
but I would like to see it closer. I would also crop it a little from th left.

Great capture and action !

Distance to the action is to far imo.

Agree with Gary on his suggestions.

Still a nice capture!

I agree with the comments before, but I also could imagine the use of water on the left side instead of the right one. So you get the impression of the way the birds flight and his action resulting in its catch.

I like it. Just stamptool one little drop of water away from the top left, near the border (don't ask me where I get these crazy ideas). Things just look very different (usually better) full screen... those white borders probably work much better - especially if there is a white background behind the monitor / canvas. White color looks bigger than black, so now that white color squeezes the photographic content.... doesn't it? : )

Agree about composition....still the capture is very nice!
Good work Vasco!
Carlos

Not going to vote on this one because I feel you over-reached the limitations of your lens. I like the concept and the composition although Gary has a valid point. BTW the bird in question is not a seagull..... it is a Caspian Tern. I spent a lot of time a couple summers ago watching these birds. They are very identifiable by their large reddish-orange bills and black capped head. I love the way they hover looking down for a fish and then dive straight down after them. Nice shot Vasco!

beautiful work

Hey! long time, ive been missing your works.

gr8 catch for you and for him i guess. well done

Thank you all for your words!

@Gary: My idea with this composition, was to kinda give the notion that the Caspian Tern was swimming (Michel Phelps style ) hence the space on the right of the image. You are right in mentioning the pixels of the 40D, but the 150€ sigma 70-300mm doesn't allow me to fully enjoy the camera... and I'm still gathering for a decent lens... I was a bit far from them, and so the quality of the image isn't the best, but I can send you the original version for you to have a go (I'd like that!).

@Charon: They don't fly in in the water, they really dive, they "hover" on the spot and then drop like a rock, that was why I didn't leave much space on the left side.

@Olkkonen: My idea with the border was that! I do have a white BG in my laptop, and the frame works well with it.

@ John (monjo): I stand corrected! Thank you so much for the corrections, and yes, I am at the limits of my lens! I had the chance to use a decent lens for 3 days combined with a proper flash and the results were... well, lets say that I decided to gather a bit more money for the future investments!

nice capture, but the composition is out a little in my opnion

I kinda like the composition like this! so I guess I'm just different
Great capture of the moment

Good capture Vasco.

Feel free to send me the photo. I love fooling around with PS!