Backlit Brown Pelican in flight

[Arthur Morris]

This image was created at La Jolla, CA with the hand held Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens(at 158mm) and the amazing mega mega-pixel Canon EOS 5DS R. ISO 1600. Evaluative metering probably about -2/3 stop: 1/1250 sec. at f/5.6. AWB.

Center AF point (Manual selection)/AI Servo Shutter button AF as originally framed was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). The selected AF point was on the bird’s breast just to our left of the bottom of the red on the bill pouch.

I needed to add canvas as I clipped one primary tip. See the original and learn a bit about NeatImage noise reduction and Arash's new post processing guide by clicking here.

[arash_hazeghi]

love the 3D effect with the backlit, pops out of the screen. dark areas look good without noise

[Daniel Cadieux]

Works really well for me! n I love the rim lighting around the pelican, and the cliff/sea BG.

[Joseph Przybyla]

I have looked at hundreds of your images, I think this is one of your best. Beautiful bird, head angle, wing position, rim lighting, and background all work together to make this outstanding. Thank you for sharing.

[Glenn Conlan]

Great repair work on the wing tip. This image inspired Patrick and I to attempt a similar capture Saturday, very challenging! Well done.

[Marina Scarr]

This is such a pleasing image. I love the back lit effect, the water droplets and pose with that wing flair. Good job on the wing repair. I wonder whether you did any dodging to the underpinnings of this bird. I also like the BG here, esp the water b/c it gives the viewer a sense of place.

[David Salem]

Not always a fan of backlit images but this one works really well. I like the fact that the head is bright and sharp and the rim lighting on the wings and the raised coverts is beautiful. Nice work Arthur

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Artie, love the incoming pose with the full wingspread and curled primaries. I do like the rim light on the edges of the wings, together with the falling droplets. All nicely shown against your darker BG. Well captured.

Great work on the wing repair.

[adrian dancy]

Excellent incoming flight image. I'm a fan of rim light and you have pulled this one off very well whilst holding detail in the subject.

[Arthur Morris]

love the 3D effect with the backlit, pops out of the screen. dark areas look good without noise

Noise reduction via NeatImage using the techniques from your new guide. a

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Marina (et al.) I think that I did a bit of my NIK 25/25 filter on the bird after opening up the shadows 2 clicks in DPP 4.

[William Dickson]

Jurassic Park comes alive. Beautiful 3D effect and lovely colours throughout. I love the flight pose.

Will

[Mike Poole]

I'm a big fan of backlit images, and this one fits perfectly with the light coming through the feathers and the way the water droplets are lit. Great BK and a clear view of the eye - excellent frame.

Mike

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the wing tips, lighting, complimentary BG, composition, setting and HA is just right to see both eyes. Excellent image Arthur.