"Well I'm off"

On the same day I had been playing with the little bugs we came upon about twenty or so American white Pelicans. Two big challenges in fairly harsh light 1/ To get in range 2/ Hold the white as its predominant colour.

My next question I read frequently on the forum critique in respect of the size of the subject in the frame or position in the frame. To be honest I don't understand the rights or wrongs on this one.

Perhaps I've been reading too much of Arthur Morris and his photographic technique which is 92% large in frame. They all look great to me.

So too cut a long story short I went from little bugs to a big bugger.

Canon 1D3 Canon 800mm hand held improve my technique I'm built like popeye.

ISO800 1/1500sec f/5.6 800mm subject distance 48.5m RAW to lightroom resized to post.

Milford Lake Kansas.

Thanks for looking

Critique, Comments and Advice most welcome.

Here is an alternative with more space but I would appreciate points to reason why to aid my understanding.

Thanks

Morning Barry,

I think the size of the subject in the frame is a personal choice thing imo, some people like a frame filling shot and others don't.

As for the images, both are appealing with a good control of exposure, you have done well to hold onto the whites considering the harsh light. Looks like your getting the hang of that big old 800mm Barry

Andy...

Hi Barry,
for my taste the first shot has cought the better pose but is too tight in frame.
Exposure is spot on.

Bertl

First is a little tight,the second just needs a tad more sharpening apart from that its a really nice moment captured

Hi Barry,

I agree with Bertl, I like the birds pose in the first but it needs more space IMO. It really is down to personal taste as Andy said. Just do what you like to do!

Some dark halos around the bird on my screen, especially on the wings of the second post and a bit of ccw rotation could be used to ensure the water looks level (If you have the space to re-crop afterwards of course).

Cheers,

Lewis.

You have done well with the exposure in difficult conditions. My preference is for the second shot, the bird has more space to move into. I do agree about the ccw rotation as the water appears to be flowing downhill at present.

David

Barry,

For me I prefer the second image (with the ccw rotation applied). I feel the first post looks quite claustrophobic and adding the extra space around the subject helps to lessen that impression.

Of course, as Andy S. mentioned, it's a personal thing and there are no 'rights and wrongs' just different tastes and styles.

Rob

Hi Guy's

Thanks for the explanations and views, I've been interpreting the comments in the wrong manner eg. Rules of presentation and not personal preferences. As per rules of thirds.

Back to Europe next week for six months I'll bring some sun back.

Hi Barry, great frame filler.