A graceful landing at Sea.

[dankearl]

A young Brown Pelican far off shore in touchdown.
Spent 5 days on the Oregon coast and this is the closest I could get to one.
A large crop even for the D800, but I liked the landing and the color of the juvenile Pelican.

1/2500, f6.3, iso640, 500mm (300 w/ 1.7x), HH, D800

DSC_1570bpn2.jpg

[Randy Stout]

Dan:

I like the pose, lighting, head angle.

The crop effect is showing in our IQ.

For my taste, might take a bit off the top.

Cheers

Randy

[Arno Ellmer]

Lovely landing pose and HA , Dan.I like the feet just touching the water . Would also take a bit off the top.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Dan, well timed for the touch down, with a good display of the wingspread. Another vote for taking a bit off the top. I also feel you have let yourself down with regards to IQ, not your usual high standard we have seen recently.

[dankearl]

Stuart, you are entirely correct and I thank you for your honest critique.
I wanted this so bad, I loved the light, the pose, the bird, but I was way too far away (this is 10% of the original and overexposed as well).
When it comes from you, I realize how crappy this was, thanks for your always kind honest critiques, I will go back to the drawing board!
I really do appreciate it.

[christopher galeski]

nice landing pose and light,agre on IQ,thanks.

[Robert Holguin]

Very nice landing pose. I like the light and wing position.
Well done.

[gail bisson]

A 90% crop?!! And it still isn't that bad of an IQ! This image is an "almost" shot because the light and landing pose are really nice.
Time to buy a boat? or go to Florida where they are a dime a dozen!
gail

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Dan - nice light and pose but have to agree with the others that such a large crop has really affected the IQ.

TFS,
Rachel

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Excellent timing and pose, Dan. The light is nice and I like the comp as is.
I'm sure you'll get this bird with your desired IQ soon.