Theme-White Pelican

[gail bisson]

Taken in Brandon, Florida
Canon 1DX
600mm
ISO 500 SS 1/400 F 7.1
6:30 PM
Settings a bit wonky because I was taking his portrait and was not expecting a wing flap. I got away with the low SS.
PP : FF but had to rotate it , usual LR sliders, levels in PS CS5,selected the BG above pelican and decreased exposure by .5, USM to JPEG
Comments and critiques always appreciated and learned from with thanks.

[Norm Dulak]

Interesting, Gail.

But the wide tonal range is a problem for me, particularly the very bright patch on the bird's right wing. Is there some way you could tone that down and improve feather definition?

[Marina Scarr]

Whites look good although I might consider dodging the underwing on the left a bit. I love the black BG and the vegetation but for some reason this image isn't wowing me.

[stuart wanuck]

Agree with marina

[David Cowling]

I like the low shooting position. I like the eye contact the bird is making. Not too keen on the dark background. Wonder how the image would have turned out with your original intention.

[mohammad reza shahab]

nice sho Gail, I like low shooting and nice pose.

[Karl Egressy]

Nice wing position and overall pose, Gail. The left wing looks great.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the low angle, detail and dark BG. I think it might be more appealing if the pelican looked directly at you.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I'd suggest to tone down the brightest of whites a touch and agree about lightening the underside of its right wing.
Lovely against the dark BG IMO and perhaps a slightly more "up" wing position would strengthen the image.
Nicely done Gail.