Species New to Science: Crowned Pelican...

[Arthur Morris]

Pacific race of Brown Pelican with crest raised

This image was created on the afternoon of Friday, March 11, 2016 at La Jolla, CA with the Induro GIT 304L/Mongoose M3.6-mounted Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens, the Canon Extender EF 2X III, and the Canon EOS 5DS R. ISO 800: 1/100 sec. at f/8. AWB. Fill flash at -2 stops with the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT, the Canon OC-E3 Off Camera Shoe Cord, the Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack, the Mongoose Integrated Flash Arm, and a Better Beamer.

Center AF point (by necessity)/AI Servo Expand/Rear Focus AF as originally framed was active at the moment of exposure. This is a very small crop after leveling, mostly from our right. The selected AF point fell on the area right between the bird’s eyes. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.

As for the image, don't be shy; all honest comments are welcome. a

[Arthur Morris]

Here is a super tight crop of the bird's crest for those who doubt the quality, fine feather detail, and sharpness of 5DS R images... There has been lots on the blog on this amazing camera over the past two months. a

[Marina Scarr]

That is one heck of a unique pelican image. Love the symmetry and that crest is amazing. The bird's look is daunting, and you see just enough of its eyes for this image to work well.

[Kirk Benson]

When I first saw the thumbnail I wasn't sure I was going to like the image that much. Now that I see it at 900px tall... I can't stop looking at it.
The light with the fill-flash is perfect IMO, detail is amazing, and the colors are beautifully rich and completely natural looking. The BG is a nice "canvas" for this terrific portrait.
Your choice of composition is captivating, which sounds like a strange way to describe it... but I honestly just continue to admire the image. :-)
Excellent work Artie, and a real pleasure to see.

Kirk

[Lorant Voros]

A very unique pelican image. Beautiful colors, nice symmetry and crest is just super. Looks like you are loving the 5DS R.

[David Cowling]

Truly wonderful. The composition is excellent, you just can't stop looking at those eyes. The detail and quality you are getting from the 5DS R has to be the best ever. I was reading on a UK Birding Blog that someone has swapped his 5DS R for a 7D Mk2 as he rated it better for that genre of photography. Admittedly he was talking about BIF. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this when you have time.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Unique indeed. I love the menacing stare. Way cool spiking effect on the yellow feathers. That "tuft" reminds me of some of those domestic ducks that have that.

[arash_hazeghi]

very nice closeup details Artie, excellent exposure too.

[Arthur Morris]

Truly wonderful. The composition is excellent, you just can't stop looking at those eyes. The detail and quality you are getting from the 5DS R has to be the best ever. I was reading on a UK Birding Blog that someone has swapped his 5DS R for a 7D Mk2 as he rated it better for that genre of photography. Admittedly he was talking about BIF. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this when you have time.

Albeit a bit slower, the 5DS R is superb for flight. And action. You need to go to the blog and do a search for 5DS R articles and photos, especially the 6 raptor in flight images from a few weeks back...

As far as trading a 5DS R for a 7D II, the guy must be blind. The 5DS R IQ advantage can only be measured in light-years... a

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Artie, perfect down the barrel capture, with those eyes in perfect alignment. You have brought out the detail, colours and sharpness so well.

[Glenn Conlan]

Great detail and color with a different crop that works well. Thanks again for the guided tour of your exhibit Sunday in San Diego, it was truly inspiring. Anyone in the southern California area should make a point of viewing this incredible presentation of Artie's images! Good luck with your procedure friday.

Glenn

[Robert Kimbrell]

Love the crest in this image. The eye contact really works here, and details look amazing. Following the blog so I know you are loving this camera.

[David Salem]

One in a million frame this is. I sure have never seen a frame like this. The pose, colors , details and comp look great. A big thanks from me too for the guided tour of your exhibit in San Diego, it was fantastic, and it was fun hanging out and shooting together. Great call on the Persian food!! See ya soon.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the punk rock hairdo, details, stern look, DOF and composition. A very unique and interesting image Arthur!

[Jonathan Ashton]

Artie as a technical exercise great, wonderful details and exposure.
I don't mean to pee on your parade but I would love to have seen the whole of the head either straight on or sideways, I think your point would have been made in either case (perhaps you disagree?)

[Arthur Morris]

Artie as a technical exercise great, wonderful details and exposure. I don't mean to pee on your parade but I would love to have seen the whole of the head either straight on or sideways, I think your point would have been made in either case (perhaps you disagree?)

Hi John, Going wider for the whole head you lose the amazing detail. And after all these years the side views are boring. So yes, I disagree but only 100%. I love this one so much that I am not entering it in this year's Nature's Best contest so that I can enter it in next year's BBC WOPTY competition. I'll be sure to let you know if it is honored :) a

[Jonathan Ashton]

Hi John, Going wider for the whole head you lose the amazing detail. And after all these years the side views are boring. So yes, I disagree but only 100%. I love this one so much that I am not entering it in this year's Nature's Best contest so that I can enter it in next year's BBC WOPTY competition. I'll be sure to let you know if it is honored :) a

I am sure you will Artie, I hope I have to eat my words