Classic Pelican

Gallery: AvianPosted March 4, 2011794 views24 comments

Nikon D90
200-400
SS/1250
ISO 400
F/8.0
Exposure Program Manual
Meterig mode Pattern
White Balance Sunny
Hand Held
Raw
Early morning, sunny conditions, Mid February in San Diego.
I wanted to go about three weeks earlier when the pelicans were in full breeding plumage but couldn't make it. This was captured toward the end of the breeding season when there were still some colors but not like when the entire throat is blood red. I really like this traditional Pelican pose so I thought I would share it. Comments and suggestions always helpful to me. Please see larger image and thanks for looking. Have a great weekend.

Comments

24 comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on March 4, 2011 at 11:28 PM

Terrific detail in the throat, especially in the larger version.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on March 4, 2011 at 11:57 PM

I love the the light plays off the varied plumage and colors in the bill. Makes for some striking patterns.

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on March 5, 2011 at 12:35 AM

Hi David,

The lines, colours, sharp detail and composition are all absolutely wonderful, congratulations :^)

One thing I was a little surprised about was that the areas that tapper out toward the tips of the Pelican's beak, both lower and upper, are not quite as sharp in detail as everything else, but I guess there's a slight tilt in the Pelican's head that's the cause. Regardless of that, this is still a terrific shot :^)

Kind regards,

Ashley

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments

Comment posted by Balan Vinod on March 5, 2011 at 1:25 AM

Amazing David ..the detail ...the comp ..love everything about this image ....well done..

Balan Vinod

Registered on March 20, 2006, 889 Posts, 2312 Comments

Comment posted by antino cervigni on March 5, 2011 at 3:26 AM

Very nice. Best regards Antino

Registered on April 17, 2010, 70 Posts, 202 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on March 5, 2011 at 9:04 AM

Nice comp and colors along with great detail. Nice portrait. Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on March 5, 2011 at 10:07 AM

Whoa David. This is just fantastic. I already love the intense colors in brown pelicans, but in breeding season they come alive, as you have captured here. They light is spectacular. The head throw and open beak and I like this tight crop. Just well done all around.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on March 5, 2011 at 11:59 AM

What a great abstract comp with amazing colors,lines,angles and detail.

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments

Comment posted by Harry Harris on March 5, 2011 at 12:47 PM

David, this image pops. The exposure and colors are just great. I really like the crop which focuses on the bill and eye. I have to start joining you on your San Diego trips.

HEH

Registered on August 2, 2010, 169 Posts, 741 Comments

Comment posted by John Fan on March 5, 2011 at 1:32 PM

amazing detail!

Registered on August 24, 2010, 135 Posts, 489 Comments

Comment posted by Adam Gibbs on March 5, 2011 at 4:27 PM

Love the details and colour of the throat area, especially in the larger version. Nice image, David.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 168 Posts, 870 Comments

Comment posted by Michele Williams on March 5, 2011 at 5:43 PM

This is fantastic! The colors and detail are so nice. You could sell a lot of prints to tourists in Florida. :)

Registered on April 3, 2010, 28 Posts, 146 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on March 6, 2011 at 11:16 AM

Terrific techs, David. But what hits me the most is the congruity of line here. A real play of intersection and flow. Love it.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on March 6, 2011 at 8:15 PM

This is intense David, love the action, head throw and the detail.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Douglas Graham on March 7, 2011 at 8:37 AM

Really nice techs on this and love the comp.

Registered on May 14, 2009, 123 Posts, 522 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on March 7, 2011 at 5:51 PM

This is just an amazing shot to me. Wonderful comp, beautiful colors, great detail, great light.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on March 9, 2011 at 5:40 PM

David, congrats on a fine EP!
somthing different!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on March 9, 2011 at 8:35 PM

Brilliant work, David, absolutely worthy of the EP. Congratulations.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on March 10, 2011 at 2:14 PM

Congrats David

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on March 10, 2011 at 3:16 PM

Excellent!!

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by Harry Harris on March 10, 2011 at 8:47 PM

Congrats David. Proud of you. It is a great image.

Registered on August 2, 2010, 169 Posts, 741 Comments

Comment posted by Colin Pickett on March 20, 2011 at 4:52 PM

Wow what a stunner well worth an EP.