Pelican flight

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

I was trying to get some bird photos at sunrise. This pelican obliged me by taking to the air.

Specific Feedback

All comments are welcome. As is often the case, I spent more time processing the background than the subject.

Technical Details

ISO 640, 400mm, f/8. 1/2500th sec.


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Vision and Purpose:
Conceptual:
Emotional Impact and Mood:
Composition:
Balance and Visual Weight:
Depth and Dimension:
Color:
Lighting:
Processing:
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2 Likes

Excellent shot of the pelican. Really pleasing light. Crop is a little off and can use some more room.

But I like the idea.

Thanks, David.

Excellent job on the focus and depth of field, Don. I too like the lighting. For a flight shot, particularly going across in front of you, it is rather crowded in the frame, making the bird feel rather cramped. If this is full frame, a lot could be done with matting if you decide to print it to relieve that feeling. If you wanted and dislike using AI, a virtual matte would be an option.

Thanks for the comment, Dennis. This isn’t full-frame and I don’t understand matting or virtual matting, but I’ll look them up.

Great capture Don. Love the way the lighting is creating a gleam in the eye. The water drops coming off the legs add to the moment. As others have mentioned, the crop is a bit tight. If you’re using Photoshop, generative expand while cropping is a good way to add more canvas.

I too am enjoying the special light you captured Don. Really nice detail throughout and the tiny water droplets hint at where he just came from. It was worth getting up for the sunrise :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:!

Steve, Jim, thanks. I agree that the original framing was too tight and I decided to use generative expand, as Steve suggested, to add some space.

Don: As one who generally tries to fill the frame (old habit from slide days) the original looked pretty darn good to me but I see what the more experienced birders are saying and the repost is better. The light is what really caught my attention as well as the DOF management. Really well done. >=))>

Yes. Giving it some more room to fly into really sets off this magnificent capture. Love it.

A nice job on the repost, Don. Well done.

Thanks for all the comments and the assistance.

Excellent job on the repost.
Now the bird has a place to fly into and it looks a lot more balanced.

HI Don
You had me with photographing Pelicans. You did a great job with the whites and blacks. The eye contact and lighting really sell the photograph. The repost looks good.
Peter

1 Like