Pelican Portrait

Gallery: AvianPosted January 9, 201196 views13 comments

Delving into the files again, here is one from last Feb in Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico.

I think Brown Pelicans make simply fantastic subjects. Lots of variation in appearance, very approachable, phenomenal details, and lots of opportunities to experiment with composition. This Pelican allowed me to move closer and closer, capturing incredible detail. I attempted to pull more out of the lower right, but could not do so in a way that looked natural, but I don't think it detracts much.

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

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

1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 400. -1.0 stops in the field, brought back up by 0.2 in processing

Crop to 67% (11.9 of 18MP)

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on January 9, 2011 at 10:37 PM

Wonderful detail and a very strange crop are the two characteristics of this image that strike me the most in this image, Brian. Unless you are accustomed to looking at pelicans, the identity of this beastie would be unknown. To some it may not even be recognizable as a bird! The yellow "feathers" look more like fur! However, that eye most of all tells us what we are looking at is likely alive. Very creative and very well done.

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

Comment posted by Randy Bacon on January 9, 2011 at 10:37 PM

Fascinating intimate portrait Brian, wonderful detail and texture. The lrc doesn't bother me since there is just enough detail in there to keep it from turning into a black hole. My only suggestion would be to crop a bit off the top which would give the image a little more feel of an abstract. This is a suggestion of personal taste as the image is excellent as posted - thanks for sharing.

Registered on November 24, 2008, 56 Posts, 492 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on January 9, 2011 at 11:02 PM

Brian, I really like thos ultra close-up...the lines and details are terrific. Great comp

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Sally King on January 9, 2011 at 11:16 PM

I love the intricate details you've been able to capture here. The pelican offers a nice sequence of colors with that deep blue background to compliment it. The dark bottom corner was not even noticed until I read your comment. I can't even imagine being this close to this bird.

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

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on January 10, 2011 at 1:14 AM

An imaginative and well-executed photo, Brian. Well seen. The dark under the chin doesn't bother met at all; rather, it emphasizes the detail in the bill. Excellent work.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on January 10, 2011 at 8:42 AM

Maybe the word is overused, but I find this amazing. What a wonderful experience and a wonderful image.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on January 10, 2011 at 9:29 AM

Incredible detail, textures and colors Brian. The lrc is just fine as is by me. I tried Randy's comp suggestion by scrolling and I liked it as an interesting alternative but this is excellent as posted too.

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

Comment posted by Terry Sohl on January 10, 2011 at 11:13 AM

Wonderful...I love the exquisite detail here. I too tried cropping a bit off the top by scrolling down, and I too like it either way. I think I might like it a bit better with some cropped off the top, as then the eye itself isn't quite so centered in the frame.

VERY cool shot either way though!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 513 Posts, 6889 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on January 10, 2011 at 11:30 AM

Outstanding closeup Brian.
Pin sharp, great color

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on January 10, 2011 at 12:11 PM

Very intersting Brian, not very often do you get this close to a subject and experiment with an abstract portrait approach, way to go.

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

Comment posted by Dan Moore on January 10, 2011 at 5:19 PM

Brian,
I have a very similar shot that I never posted because I "felt" it was missing something.That something is the killer eye that you captured in this one.Really good!!

Dan