Took this at the Sebastian Inlet north of Vero Beach, Fl. Several fishermen were cleaning their fish at the fish cleaning stand and the the Pelicans came by the dozens to get the free food. I like the spread of the wings and the feet ready for touchdown. Shooting data below:
Nikon D3S
2011:02:14 16:03:32
70-200mm @ 195mm
195mm (in 35mm film)
Subject dist: 20m
1/500 sec, f/9
Mode: Av
Metering: Multi-segment
Exp comp: +1/3
ISO: 400
White balance: Auto
Flash: Off
File size: 96.4MB
Image size: 2214 x 1740
Color space: sRGB
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Contrast: Normal
Color profile: sRGB
I really like the way the wings are stretch out so far. One thing I would play with is the crop. You might try moving the pelican up a bit in the frame, and not so tight on the sides.
Yes, good wingspread and ready-to-land pose. Bummer about the shadow across the bill, and I would enhance the catchlight for web presentation. Agree on taking some off the top. I know the green on the wings is from the water, but I'd look into reducing it a bit.
Nice Image. The shadow doesn't bother me that much (such is nature), but it does appear to me that the highlight/shadow slider was used to excess on this shot.