Slack Tide

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

The pelicans are coming into breeding colours in southern California.
I caught this one exactly at slack tide, when the harbor waters were very still, allowing for a nice reflection.

Specific Feedback

all comments welcome

Technical Details

an older image, but I think this is correct:

Model: NIKON D800
Software: Adobe Photoshop 25.11 + Pure Raw 4
Exposure Time: 1/800 sec
F Number: f/4
ISO Speed Ratings: ISO 800
Exposure Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
Exposure Bias: 0 EV


Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
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  • Depth and Dimension:
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  • Lighting:
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This is a fantadtic image! I love the clarity of the pelican and its feathers as well as the color palette you have. Desaturating the water really brings the eye to the more colorful and contrasty bird. In addition the ripples act as leading lines from the left side of the frame to the bird. I love the minimalist vibe too. Honestly I’ve got no suggestions to make it better. Great work!

Beautiful reflection image, Sandy. I like the ripples that generate the cool curves in the reflection.

I really like this, Sandy. There’s something calming and serene in this image.

Very nice catch! No suggestions! It’s nice to see that many of our older images hold up even today.

Thanks, Diane - I’m loving digging into my files for the “If only…” images I’ve collected over the years. Jim Ernhart is posting a lot of old images, and GiGi too and are having fun. Inspiring!
It’s still the same image with an old camera, but the newer software allows the image to become closer to what our eyes and emotions saw.

Very nice pelican photo. I like the image as presented…Jim

Hi Sandy
You had me at Pelican. Adding great detail, eye contact and reflection, just adds to a great photograph.
Peter

I’m really liking this one Sandy! I think the gray, overcast conditions worked to your advantage on this image. That water is like a fresh canvas to paint onto without drawing too much attention to itself. The reflection is nearly perfect and I like the little dip of the beak into the water. I love the breading plumage in this shot. You remind me that I need to head to the beach in the next few days to catch their breeding colors. San Diego is turning into a complete zoo so I’ll likely try somewhere else. Anyway, lovely image, Sandy. Say hi to Jim for me. If you’re down this way in the next few weeks, let me know. Maybe we can head over to Bolsa Chica for some Pelicans. They dive right close to the pier and come up with fish every now and then. :slight_smile:

@David_Haynes
Hi, Dave! Thanks for the kind comments ! We’re off to Japan next week, then to New Zealand late March, so I won’t make it down to Bolsa Chica this spring. Maybe the merlins and kestrels in the fall, though - are the perches and areas you set up for the refuge still active? Need some more merlin/kestrels with dragonflies!
Jim says Hi back!

1 Like

Good composition with nice reflection, adequate space on the right and tack sharp shot!
Grt, Ingrid.