Handsome Pelicans

[Amy DeStefanis]

They have some really handsome pelicans over there in Bonaire.... I know I could have been at the wildlife preserve taking pictures of Flamingoes (I think.... never explored much beyond our resort except to dive - it was vacation, after all).

I know this guys has some un-recoverable clipping on his white head and the rope, but the rest of him is so nice, I wanted to share. I know he's "Centered", too - this is full frame, so no options there....

Nonda had pointed out the feather detail in another pelican shot - this is another great example of how sharp that 70-200 2.8 VR lens is. (no, I don't work for Nikon.... )

Stats: Nikon D80
ISO 800 (hadn't noticed this until later - oops)
70-200 VR 2.8 @ 86mm
manual exposure
1/4000 @ f/4.5

Thanks, everyone!
Amy D.

[Harold Davis]

i'm glad you're having fun and great success with the lens.....cant wait to get mine!! you already pointed out that it was a little over, and a little tight. other than that, i think you got a keeper! love that blue water bg. almost a duotone!!

[denise ippolito]

Amy, this is great-agree w/ hot spots- but love the BG and eye!

[Gus Cobos]

Lady Amy,
I like the composition and capture. The marine rope attached to the piling is a nice touch. The head angle and eye contact are dead on, with a sharp crystal clear eye. well done...:)I adjusted your base image by toning down the whites opening up the shadows, and selective sharpening the eye just a tad more. also adjusted the mid-tones in the blue water...see if this presents well with you...:eek:

[Amy DeStefanis]

thanks, gus!

Yes - his head looks much better. I have to admit that the most I did was the "recovery" adjustment in Lightroom, and a little overall sharpening. I did some kind of PP on over 100 photos, and just did a quick job to put them out for our fellow travellers to see. If you're interested: http://web.mac.com/adestefa/Bonaire2008 It's mostly underwater stuff....

His head does look a little more 3-dimensional in your repost.... :) I'll take more time with it when I have a chance. Thanks!

Amy D.

[Dave Mills]

I agree about the two hot areas. You might eliminate one by cropping just above the rope. I would also suggest leaving a bit more room in the front of your subject(gives it a place to go)

[Harold Davis]

amy, my dear. you have been holding back on us. i checked out your bonaire pics. the underwater stuff is simply AWESOME!!!! dont let al see it....he will be jealous!!!!!! and i need a personal tour of the hillsboro river. that place looks magical and i have been wanting to go for a while now!!

[Amy DeStefanis]

amy, my dear. you have been holding back on us.

Well, we only get to post one picture in each forum per day.... I'll be honest, I have some pictures I don't post because I already know what the critiques will be, and they are emotional favorites. I can't subject them to the scrutiny.... :eek:

But anyone is welcome to see them. I know they aren't 'perfect', but I enjoy them anyway.

Thanks for the kind words, Harold. Whenever you're going to be in the area, give us a couple of weeks or so notice, and I can reserve some kayaks....

:)

Amy D.

[Nonda Surratt]

Ok so where is the link to the rest of your images Amy??? Would love to see them.

Never mind, I need to read all the posts:o

Well I agree 100% with Mr H..WONDERFUL images Amy! So of those little face on fish images are adorable

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Amy Do like the pose and its a good looking bird. Just a little over exposed. If you work back the sunny 16 from the ISO the image is 2/3 under and you should have been probably 2/3 more !!!

[Julie Kenward]

Your underwater images are gorgeous! This one is also really nice (except for that darn head being so white!) I know you feel this has a "centered" feel to it but, really, it doesn't present that way because his head is so far to the right third. I think it works nicely. A bit more on the right side would have been nice but it still is a nicely detailed photo of a pelican.