Anticipatory Pelican

Gallery: AvianPosted March 7, 201196 views7 comments

I dug into the files for this one, but I am posting it looking forward to next week and a trip to the Florida Gulf Coast. Taken last Feb at Puerto Penasco, Sonora Mexico. I think the gulls add to the comp, especially since one is in focus, but wonder what you think.

Your comments and critiques are appreciated. Please view the larger version if possible.

Canon 7D, 500mm + 1.4x TC, monopod

f/11, 1/800, ISO 400

Crop to 92% of original (16.6 of 18MP)

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on March 7, 2011 at 11:49 PM

Nice image of the brown pelican-which I find is such a beautiful bird. The comp feels a little tight on the right and left to me. But at 92% there may not be anything left. Not so sure about the OOF gull. I think I would be happier if they were both in focus, but it doesn't distract from the pelican as is.

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

Comment posted by Jeff Loomis on March 7, 2011 at 11:50 PM

I really like the main subject. The pelican is sharp and well exposed, and it stands out nicely against the blurred background. However, I'm kind of torn on the gulls. The one that's in focus is a great addition. It adds scale and balance to the image and a splash of color from the bill. But the out of focus gull is a bit of a distraction. Not a deal breaker, just not ideal. Very nice and thanks for sharing.

Registered on January 26, 2010, 68 Posts, 719 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on March 8, 2011 at 12:01 AM

Neat image Brian, I like the gulls, particularly the in focus one. Like Angela it feels a little too tight left and right to me. Have a great time in Florida!

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

Comment posted by Ken Archer on March 8, 2011 at 3:44 PM

When-ever I get the chance to capture more then one species in a photo I go for it. And because of that I really like this photo. Excellent detail and exposure. Sweet Photo Brian

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Shellenberg on March 8, 2011 at 8:50 PM

Nice getting two species in the frame Brian. Superb detail in the pelican. I do wish the front gull was in focus. I am heading down to Florida myself. I can't wait to get away from this awful midwest weather for a while.

Registered on February 6, 2008, 168 Posts, 3118 Comments

Comment posted by Sally King on March 9, 2011 at 8:56 AM

I love the modest pose. Your details are excellent. The light is very good. Love the environment. I like the in focus gull but the oof gull distracts me mostly because the bright colors catch and hold my eye and keep my eye from going back to center stage and the pelican. Have fun on your trip. Look forward to more images.

Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on March 10, 2011 at 12:56 AM

I keep on going back and forth on this one Brian, I like the detail and look from the pelican but adding gulls with bright white heads takes my eyes away from the main subject. Tough call on this one, enjoy your trip.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments