American Wh Pelican

Gallery: AvianPosted March 13, 2011166 views20 comments

First image I will post that was taken from my new boat. These birds really are huge. Not the toughest of flight shot subjects but still a species I needed to add to my files. I like the light and the bird's position in this shot. Very early morning light. Please view the larger version for max details. Thanks so much.

Canon 1DM4
Canon 500mm f/4 + 1.4x TC
ISO 320
1/3200s
f/7.1
Manual Exp.
Hand held
82% of FF

Comments

20 comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on March 13, 2011 at 5:16 PM

Nice capture, Ron. Interesting that so few colors dominate this image. Great detail: I can even see water droplets on the bird's breast. Very clear. This bird seems so solid (as opposed to fluffy). I agree with your assessment of the image too.

P.S.: Must be nice to have a boat.....and warm weather!

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on March 13, 2011 at 5:24 PM

I like the forequarter banking pose and eye contact. Exposure and focus are spot-on too.

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

Comment posted by Andy Shepherd on March 13, 2011 at 5:37 PM

Hi Ron,

This looks very good to me, the birds position in the frame and the exposure are both spot on. The details throughout the large version are also very good, so no nits from me.

Andy...

Registered on September 24, 2006, 123 Posts, 1254 Comments

Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on March 13, 2011 at 5:51 PM

Another great flight shot- Excellent calm pose and terrific details- Your exposure job is perfect- The new boat must be very steady- Well done, Fabio

Registered on December 3, 2010, 90 Posts, 1614 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Marquart on March 13, 2011 at 7:08 PM

Another nice one Ron, besides the obvious good sharpness, detail and exposure, I also like the wide DOF that has the whole bird in focus. The only thing I might be tempted to try if it was mine is maybe try lightening shadows a little under it's left wing. Notice I said maybe and try, in the end I most likely wouldn't because it probably looks more natural the way it is.

Registered on October 24, 2009, 126 Posts, 799 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on March 13, 2011 at 7:47 PM

Looks good to me as well. Exposure is on target. Nice body position. Good use of the frame. Good work hand holding so much lens on such an unstable platform.

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

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on March 13, 2011 at 9:18 PM

Excellent BIF image Ron. Great details throughout and I love the aerodynamic wing loading that is so apparent. Enjoy the new float!

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Cloran on March 13, 2011 at 10:06 PM

Sweet shot Ron. I like the banked angle as well. It really helps to provide a better sense of the back wing.

Registered on April 6, 2004, 119 Posts, 1989 Comments

Comment posted by Ralph Kerr on March 13, 2011 at 10:08 PM

Ron, not much I can add to the others. Just a nice sharp and well exposed image. I am jealous. This is one I also want to add to my files

Ralph Kerr

Registered on January 30, 2007, 369 Posts, 852 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Teller on March 13, 2011 at 10:36 PM

Great flight shot. The whites and blacks are handled very well and the bird is nice and sharp.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Huff on March 13, 2011 at 11:28 PM

Ron, just one fantasic shot.

Ron Huff

Registered on August 31, 2010, 69 Posts, 440 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on March 14, 2011 at 12:53 AM

Wonderful detail alright! Lovely flight pose.

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on March 14, 2011 at 6:44 AM

Lovely flight shot Ron - great detail and eye contact

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on March 14, 2011 at 8:28 AM

Love the POV, light, & true colors here Ron, great comp with the wings on the diagonal..Nice & sharp, one can even see the fine drops of water on the birds underside.
New boat? When do I get an invite?

Very well done

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Karen Summers on March 14, 2011 at 11:09 AM

A lovely shot the exposure and detail are very good

Registered on December 3, 2009, 83 Posts, 818 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on March 14, 2011 at 3:41 PM

Excellent IQ and I like the subtle colors of the pelican, nice job in getting this from a boat, well done.

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

Comment posted by Ken Archer on March 14, 2011 at 4:27 PM

Sweet flight photo Ron! Excellent detail!

Ken Archer

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

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on March 14, 2011 at 8:21 PM

A strong flight shot all the way around Ron. I especially like your exposure and DOF. Nice eye contact and interesting light with detail in the shadows. I have lots of flight shots of the species but very few are this nice. Well done.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Shellenberg on March 14, 2011 at 9:19 PM

I could have used your boat last week Ron. I had pelicans all around me but I could not get a decent angle to light flight shots. Nice image with really nice detail. Great job getting those huge wings in focus.

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

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on March 14, 2011 at 10:25 PM

Great light, detail sharpness and catch light too. You are the flying master and HH on a boat even?!

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