Pelican splashing

[Hazel Grant]

Taken in Florida on Captain Shadle's boat. I know some will not like the strong horizontal line, but I'm hoping the forward motion of the bird can counter that.
Any other comments appreciated.

Nikon D40x, 1/1250, F8, iso400, 300 mm. an afternoon shot.

[Gerald Kelberg]

Hi Hazel,

Don't get these Brown Pelicans over this part of the world, but they look pretty and impressive.

I think you've got a number of problems with this shot, I'm afraid. Overall, the subject and it's activity are a bit too small in the frame to hold a lot of interest, yet the image quality isn't going to let you crop much harder. It is a bit soft already.

I know it is easy to be wise after the event, but I think that next time you would be better to get lower - if possible - and get the bird further back in the frame so it has more clear space to move into rather than behind it.

[Hazel Grant]

I know it is easy to be wise after the event, but I think that next time you would be better to get lower - if possible - and get the bird further back in the frame so it has more clear space to move into rather than behind it.[/QUOTE]

I do have a tendency to crop too closely. This is the original shot, or part of it. The whole one won't come up. The bird is actually in the center of the original.

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi Hazel, this one is definitely a candidate for a better crop. If you put the same space in front of the bird as you did behind it in the original the composition would be miles better. I like the head angle and the frozen water drops in this one. I do find the image too contrasty and the water seems overly saturated. The harsh light didn't help you out, but it's a pretty good starting point and I would like to see you rework it a bit.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Crop is too much IMO. In this case, suggest trying to include as much positive habitat as possible. If it is not available then do what you can. As a general rule and this is really open to debate, I try and fill at least 20/25% of frame with subject - or - include more pleasing background. The older I get the more I try to control the background and move around as much as I can. I know there are limits to what we have as well - thanks for sharing.