Laughing Gull in flight

 

Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla), likely a juvenile or non-breeding adult based on the plumage.

Key identifying features:

• Dark-tipped bill (blackish).

• Dark wings with lighter underparts.

• Grayish back and wing coverts with brownish tones—common in immature gulls.

• White head with some smudging, not the full black hood of breeding adults.

Seasonal variation:

• In breeding season, adults have a full black hood.

• In non-breeding season, the hood fades to a smudgy gray or partial cap.

• Juveniles often show more brown in the wings and mottled markings on the head.

Using Flash at night and outdoor

David Bergman's videos from Adorama are a great resource for learning photography. In this video, he explains how to use flash when shooting at night and outdoors.

 

Desert Rose

Desert Rose (Adenium obesum). This plant is known for its thick, succulent stem and vibrant, often bicolored flowers, typically featuring shades of pink, red, and white. It thrives in arid environments and is popular as an ornamental plant due to its striking appearance.

We had one of these plants at our old place, and as soon as we saw this one, we knew it had to come home with us.

Another favorite from last weekend

I knew this would happen—after a long weekend and 300 photos later, picking a favorite feels impossible!
But hey, here’s another one I really like. Who says you can’t have more than one favorite, right?

Using On-Camera Flash at Events

 Here is a video illustrating how is done. 

The only thing I do differently is that before shooting with flash, I adjust the camera settings—specifically ISO and shutter speed—to get the background looking the way I want. Once that’s set, I let the flash, using E-TTL, take care of the rest.

At events, I usually use a modifier, unless I’m shooting in a living room with a low ceiling or walls painted white or a similar light color.

Here’s one of my photos taken using flash.

This guy is my favorite model. He knows how to work with the camera. Is not it?

Here is a bonus tip:

 

Weekend Continuation: Bald Eagle.

Memorial Day. I decided to skip my usual park and head to Bay Port, one of the oldest places in Hernando County with a rich history. But for me, it’s just a spot to snap some pics of all sorts of sea birds, including the majestic Bald Eagles. Lately, I haven’t been as lucky with them, and I thought I’d be home empty-handed again. But guess what? As I was about to leave, I spotted a huge bird in the distance. And right away, I knew it was a Bald Eagle! 

Most Americans think these birds only live north, but they actually also live in Florida, even as far south as South Florida. I’ve even seen them nesting there! 

Taking pictures of these birds is always a pleasure. 

Special Mention: Flowers.

Flowers deserve a special mention. In Florida, many wild flowers bloom in May, and some even during the summer. This weekend, I took some pictures of these beautiful flowers. Here are a few of them.

Water lily (genus Nymphaea). It is characterized by its large, fragrant white petals and bright yellow center, floating on the surface of the water alongside round green lily pads.

Spiderwort (genus Tradescantia). Spiderworts are commonly found in gardens and wild areas across North America.

Lantanas are known for their vibrant clusters of small flowers, often featuring multiple colors like orange, yellow, pink, and red. 

Morning Glory (genus Ipomoea). It is characterized by its trumpet-shaped bloom, with a white exterior and a pinkish-purple center, which is typical of certain Morning Glory varieties. These flowers are known for opening in the morning and closing by the afternoon.